The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines a clinical trial as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include placebo or other control) to evaluate the effects of those interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes. What does it mean in everyday language?
Clinical trials are research studies seeking to create new, more effective treatments for cancers, or other diseases. Not every single patient is eligible to participate in such a study. But if your particular cancer case shows that you are a candidate for a clinical trial, you will have access to the newest treatments currently available for your cancer. Enrolling in a clinical trial also helps the patients of the future through your participation.
Ask your doctor if you qualify for a clinical trial, and which ones. Then make an educated decision with your care team and family on if such a treartment is best for you.
You can search for clinical trials by disease type and other detailed criteria at these links.
NCI-supported trials are offered at locations across the United States and Canada, including the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD.
Explore 264,099 research studies in all 50 states and in 202 countries. ClinicalTrials.gov is a resource provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Clinical trials are important medical research studies that can ultimately advance the standard of care for all individuals who face cancer, both now and in the future. Search for clinical research studies available for select patients. Consult your doctor to see if you might be an appropriate candidate.