Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies which test new treatments in people with cancer. These studies may include new drugs, approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, combinations of treatments, or methods, such as gene therapy. The goal of this research is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients.

In a clinical trial, researchers assign patients randomly (by chance) either to a group taking the new treatment (test group) or a group taking standard treatment (control group).

To qualify for a particular trial, your type and stage of cancer are important, along with other factors such as your age, gender, and prior cancer treatment experience. Keep in mind, however, that being accepted or turned down has nothing to do with whether or not you will get better. It simply means that your particular cancer or general health do not match the criteria for that study.

If you are considering a clinical trial ask lots of questions. Be sure to include your doctor and the people close to you when weighing both the benefits and risks of such studies. Here are some questions to get you started:
  • What is the specific treatment being tested? How does it differ from the standard treatment available?
  • What are the possible short-and long-term risks, side effects, and benefits to me? How do they compare to those of standard treatment?
  • Where will my treatment take place? Will I have to be in the hospital? If so, for how long?
  • Who will be in charge of my care? Will my own doctor be involved?
  • Will I have to pay for any treatment, tests, or other charges? What is my health insurance likely to cover?

Although these details will be outlined in the "informed consent" statement of the study, we encourage you to discuss these and other concerns with members of your health care team, your insurance provider, and someone involved in the clinical trial.

Clinical trials offer great promise, yet only about 3 percent of cancer patients are enrolled in them. Every successful treatment used today started as a clinical trial. The patients involved were the first to benefit from the improved therapy. Perhaps more patients will consider a clinical trial as they realize that at the very least, they will be receiving current standard treatment. Only clinical trials will produce the science to change and improve breast cancer treatment.

Copyright © 2000 Bay Area Breast Cancer Network. All rights reserved.

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