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What are cancer clinical trials?
What are cancer clinical trials?
What kind of information will I get if I want to take part in a clinical trial?
Who makes sure my rights are protected?
Cancer treatment clinical trials are research studies to find better ways to
treat cancer. It is important that men and women of all ages and backgrounds
take part in these studies so that what is learned will help cancer patients
now and in the future.
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Clinical trials often compare the most accepted cancer treatment (standard
treatment) with a new treatment that doctors hope will be better.
Each study has rules about who can and cannot participate-- such as age, sex, or
type of cancer. Think about asking your doctor if you can take part in a study.
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Before you join a study, a doctor, nurse, or another person on the research team
will explain why the study is being done, and what will happen during the
study. You can ask any questions you have about the study.
You will also be given a consent form to read. The consent form will explain:
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The exact plan for each step in the study
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What side effects you may have
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How the study may affect your daily life
You should ask questions about any part of the consent form you do not
understand. If you decide to take part in the study, you will be asked to sign
the consent form.
Even if you sign the consent form, you can still change your mind and stop at
any time.
Groups of experts at the national and local levels approve research studies
before they begin. One of the most important groups is called an institutional
review board (IRB).
The IRB's job is to review research studies and make sure they are run safely
and fairly. All clinical trials should be reviewed by an IRB, which includes
doctors, nurses, and people from the community.
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