Research is changing the way cancer is being treated. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, a clinical trial may offer access to the latest and most promising science, while helping to light the path for future survivors.
Learn more and talk to your doctor to see if a clinical trial may be the best choice for you.
Virtually every other therapy currently on the market was studied and made possible by people participating in clinical trials. Very few adult cancer patients join a trial. Many cancer clinical trials don’t get completed because not enough people participate. Without enough patient data, a promising treatment might never get approved.
Clinical trials offer a source of hope—for you and those who follow in your shoes. But without volunteers, advances in therapy are stalled. It’s important that trials include people from all ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life so researchers can see how different people respond to a study treatment.
Generally, you can find a trial in one of three ways:
You or a loved one must work with your doctor to get enrolled. If you find a trial, discuss it with your doctor, and then they can initiate the process of getting you enrolled.
During this phase the patient should review the trial with their physician, and consider any recommendations before giving the go-ahead to proceed to the next step.
The patient meets with a research nurse or an assigned medical professional, that will walk the patient through the details of the trial and everything involved in the process, so there are no surprises. Once this is complete they will review necessary documents with the patient and have them sign the informed consent.
This step includes any pre-treatment scans, labs, biopsies, and any surgeries (such as port installation, tumor reduction, etc.) needed to participate in the trial. This step is often where some patients decide not to move forward.
During this phase participants will receive the specified clinical trial treatment which may include chemo, radiation and other drugs. Participants may also receive scans, biopsies, and blood tests during this phase.
After treatment is complete the patient will receive scans, blood work and/or biopsies to evaluate their progress and prognosis as needed.
Speak to an expert. Stand Up To Cancer is pleased to connect interested parties with Carebox, a free and confidential trial matching service that will help guide you through a search and referral process to find a clinical trial that may be right for you.
There are several ways to search and find a trial. You can fill out a questionnaire, call a toll free number to speak with a Carebox representative, or fill out a form and someone will be in touch with you.
Fill out a short online questionnaire to identify clinical trials near you that fit your specific diagnosis, stage and treatment history.
We can also update you when new studies open that match your profile.
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