What Are Cancer Clinical Trials?
Cancer clinical trials are research studies that investigate new treatments, medications, and therapies to advance cancer care. At New England Cancer Specialists (NECS), we conduct these trials to offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to future advancements in cancer treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in Clinical Trials?
Access to New Medications and Therapies
Clinical trials provide access to innovative treatments that may not be available through standard care options.
No Additional Cost for Patients
Participants in clinical trials typically do not incur extra costs for the investigational treatment, as these are covered by study sponsors.
Contribution to Future Cancer Treatments
By participating in clinical trials, patients contribute to the development of new cancer therapies that may benefit future generations.
What Are the Drawbacks of Participating in Clinical Trials?
No Guarantee of Effectiveness
While clinical trials offer promising treatments, there is no guarantee that the investigational therapy will be effective.
Potential for Serious Side Effects
Some participants may experience unexpected side effects from the experimental treatment being tested.
Randomization in Treatment Assignment
In certain trials, participants may be randomly assigned to different treatment groups, which can affect their treatment experience.
Additional Visits and Paperwork
Clinical trial participation may involve more frequent visits to the clinic and additional paperwork compared to standard care.
How Is Patient Confidentiality Handled in Clinical Trials?
Confidentiality of Personal and Medical Information
Participants’ personal and medical information is strictly confidential. Any data shared with study sponsors is anonymized to protect privacy.
How Can Patients Find the Right Clinical Trial?
Discuss with Your Doctor
Consult with your oncologist at NECS to explore clinical trial options that may be suitable for your condition and treatment goals.
Visit ClinicalTrials.gov
For a comprehensive list of available clinical trials, visit ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of clinical research studies conducted worldwide.
What Are the Different Types of Clinical Trials?
Treatment/Intervention Trials
These trials evaluate new medications or combinations of therapies to assess their effectiveness and safety in treating cancer.
Observational Trials
Observational trials collect data on cancer treatments and outcomes without intervening in standard care practices.
Translational Trials
Translational trials use genetic analysis of blood or tissue samples to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment approaches.
Participating in cancer clinical trials at NECS offers patients an opportunity to receive state-of-the-art treatments and contribute to the advancement of cancer care. If you’re considering a clinical trial, discuss your options with our team to make an informed decision about your treatment journey.
