Unexpected Search Results

The search results page displays a list of trials in PDQ that match the criteria that you used on the search form. See About Your Search Results to learn more about the information presented for each trial when you click on the title.

1. The top of the page shows the number of trials that matched your criteria.
2. Use the "Show" drop down list to change the number of trials displayed on each page.
3. Click the "View Search Criteria" link to see the criteria you selected for your search.
4. Use the "Sort by" drop down list to reorder the trials according to the field you choose. By default, the trials are ordered according to phase. For example phase IV trials will be displayed first followed by phase III, phase II, and finally phase I.
You may choose to have the trials reordered by title, type of trial, status of trial, age range, trial sponsor, and protocol ID.
5. Use the "Version" choices to display information designed for either health professionals or patients.
   • The "Health Professional" version presents more detailed information and contains technical language.
   • The "Patient" version outlines the trial's purpose, treatment plan, and some key eligibility criteria in lay language. It also has links from medical terms to definitions in the Cancer.gov dictionary.
   • Both versions provide trial contact information.
6. Use the "Format" drop down list to choose how much information to display for each trial.
   • The Short format displays the name of each trial, which is a link to the trial's description.
   • The Medium format displays all the information in the "Short" format plus additional detailed information about the medical objectives and entry criteria for the trial.
   • The Long format displays all the information from the "Medium" format plus details about projected accrual (the expected number of participants), any results that have been published, and contact information.
   • The Custom format allows you to select which information from the "Health Professional" version to display. This format is not available for the "Patient " version.
7. The title of each trial is a link to the trial's description.
8. To print your search results, you must first select one or more trials to display for print. Then click on the "Display for Print" button at the bottom of the page.

Unexpected Results

You may find that your search results include trials that are not exactly what you want or you may wish to change some of your search criteria. To improve your search, try refining your search criteria or start a new search.

9. The "Refine Search" link at the bottom of the search results page takes you back to the advanced form with your original criteria still in place. You may select additional search criteria or change already selected criteria.
10. To return to a cleared search form and start a new search, click on the "new search" button at the bottom of the search results page.

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