Clinical trials are research studies that involve people with certain diseases. Understanding what they are can help you decide if a clinical trial might be an option for you.
Most cancer clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments on patients with a certain type of cancer. These treatments can be drugs, vaccines, approaches to surgery or radiation therapy etc.
Cancer research trials are designed to answers questions such as:
- What new treatment methods can help people with a specific type of cancer?
- What is the most effective treatment for people with a specific kind of cancer?
- Does the new treatment work as well as the old treatment?
- What are the new treatment’s side effects?
Many clinical trials are currently being conducted in lung cancer. Some of these trials are investigating new immunotherapies or targeted therapy drugs. Others are looking at the effect of new types of chemotherapy drugs or new combinations of chemotherapy drugs with or without targeted therapy agents.
These clinical trials are usually conducted in many cities throughout the world. They take place in doctors’ offices, cancer centers, medical centers, community hospitals and clinics. A single trial may take place in one or two places, or at different sites.
When you talk with your doctor about treatment options, ask about clinical trials. There may be one that is right for you taking place at your doctor’s office or nearby.