Clinical trials are at the heart of every new cancer treatment.
Trials can help clinicians determine what is safe and effective in treating colorectal
cancer as well as a variety of other diseases and cancers.
For more information on whether a clinical trial is right for you, always speak
with your doctor.
What is a Clinical Trial?
Who Can Participate
in a Cancer Clinical Trial?
Is a Cancer Clinical
Trial Right for Me?
How Can I Learn
More About Cancer Clinical Trials?
What is a Clinical Trial?
Using human participants, a clinical trial tests the safety and effectiveness of
a new drug or medical procedure. Many trials also test
the safety and effectiveness of existing drugs, procedures, and methods. Clinical
trials also help doctors determine if existing treatments, procedures, and methods
can be used for different ways or for other diseases.
Who Can Participate in a Cancer Clinical
Trial?
While every clinical trial has different eligibility criteria, the trial coordinator
will often consider the following:
- The type of cancer you have
- The stage of your cancer
- If you have had previous treatments
- How long it’s been since your last cancer treatment
- Lab test results
- Your current medications
- History of cancer and other medications
- Activity level
- Your gender and age
- Any other conditions specific to the clinical trial
Is a Cancer Clinical Trial Right for Me?
Participating in a cancer clinical trial can be a very difficult decision. Your
doctor can help you determine if a clinical trial may be right for you. You need
to consider the risks and benefits of the clinical trial, cost issues, how the length
of the trial may affect you and your loved ones, your expectations of the trial,
and other factors.
You may also want to talk to family and friends about your interest in a clinical
trial. While you are the one who makes the final decision, it may be helpful to
hear the opinions and concerns of your loved ones.
How Can I Learn More About Cancer Clinical
Trials?
To learn more about cancer clinical trials, contact the
American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2435 (www.cancer.org) or the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4CANCER
(www.cancer.gov).
If you are interested in getting help finding a cancer clinical trial that may be
right for you, consider contacting one of the following organizations offering clinical
trial matching services:
