Research - Clinical Trials

      Clinical trials are necessary to make sure the treatments really do work better than other treatments being used already. This takes a long time and unfortunately, reports in the newspapers and on television about 'miracle cures' can be misleading.

No one 'cure' will work for all types of cancer. There are more than 200 different types of cancer and they must all be tackled individually. And the work will take several years. For example, most researchers estimate that it could be 10 years before a cancer vaccine is available to treat melanoma.
Clinical trials are research studies of different treatment methods and medications used to treat a disease to determine whether a new drug or treatment is effective and safe. A clinical trial is typically conducted after extensive research has been performed regarding a medication or treatment. Before participating in a clinical trial, it is important that you learn all of the potential risks and benefits involved. You should consult with your doctor to determine if the trial you are interested in is right for you. Not every patient can or should participate in a clinical trial. You should seek out as much information as possible before making a decision about participation in a clinical trial.

Clinical trials are usually separated into three phases: Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. 

Phase I trials involve a small number of patients. The goal of the trial is usually to determine the best way to administer a new treatment or medication, and in what dose. 

Phase II trials involve a larger number of people than Phase I trials. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of a particular treatment. An important part of phase II trials is the determination of whether the treatment is safe, and what side affects, if any, might arise.  

Phase III trials continue the research of phase II trials, but with a stronger focus on comparing this particular treatment with already existing treatments. A large number of participants are involved, separated into two or more groups, with each group being given a different treatment. This way doctors are able to determine if a new treatment shows any promising advantages over existing treatments. 

Advantages of participating in clinical trial research:

- Health care provided by leading physicians in cancer research 

- Access to new drugs before they become available to the general public

- The new treatment may be more effective than standard treatment options 

- Part of your treatment may be free of charge 

- Taking a proactive role in your treatment 

- The chance to make a contribution to cancer research 

Risks involved in participating in clinical trial research:

- New drugs may have unknown side effects 

- New drugs may be ineffective or less effective than another course of treatment available 

- A treatment that works effectively on one person, may not work on another because individuals respond differently to treatment.