Clinical Trials 101: How to Get Started
Clinical trials can offer innovative treatment possibilities and renewed hope for individuals battling cancer. Yet, understanding where to begin and what to expect can feel overwhelming. To help, we've compiled some tips and resources to get you started:
Where to Find Information:
Clinicaltrials.gov: This comprehensive database provides information on ongoing clinical trials worldwide. Patients can search and filter by cancer type, location, and other criteria to find relevant trials.
South Sound CARE Foundation: Our ‘Additional Resources’ page offers curated information and links to clinical trial databases, educational materials, and support services tailored to cancer patients in our community.
Who Should Consider Participating?
Patients who are failing standard of care or facing new or recurrent diseases may consider clinical trials. Trials exist for various stages of cancer treatment, including neo-adjuvant (prior to surgery), first-line, and treatment-resistant cases.
Determining Eligibility:
Each trial has specific eligibility criteria based on factors such as cancer type, medical history, previous treatments, and molecular results. Patients can discuss eligibility with their healthcare providers and review trial details on platforms like Clinicaltrials.gov.
Considerations Before Joining a Trial:
Patients should weigh the potential benefits of the trial against potential side effects, scheduling commitments, and the broader impact on future patients and research.
Dispelling Misconceptions:
While there is no guarantee that an experimental treatment will be effective (especially in Phase I trials), patients do receive carefully evaluated treatments under strict guidelines. Patients should not fear being treated as "guinea pigs" as treatment is closely monitored for side effects, and patients have access to additional medical support and resources as needed.
The Enrollment Process:
The clinical trial enrollment process is carefully regulated to protect participants and maintain the internal validity of the trials. The process typically involves recruitment, obtaining informed consent (a legally effective, voluntary agreement confirming both patient comprehension of the trial and consent to participate), and comprehensive screening. Patients are fully informed about the trial's purpose, procedures, and potential risks before enrolling in a clinical trial.
Support Services Available:
Research Coordinators play a crucial role in guiding patients through the trial process, offering support, answering questions, and ensuring compliance.
Treatment in clinical trials is closely monitored for side effects, and patients have access to additional medical support as needed.
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) oversee and monitor clinical trials to protect participant safety and rights. Patients can contact the IRB with any concerns or questions.
Learn more about Human Research Protections:
Belmont Report: Explore the foundational principles of human research protections outlined in this seminal document.
Declaration of Helsinki: Learn about international guidelines for ethical research involving human subjects.
Finding and enrolling in a clinical trial often requires research and self-advocacy, but with the right resources and support, patients can access cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advances in cancer care. At The South Sound CARE Foundation, we're dedicated to offering resources, guidance, and support to assist you in this process.
Have a question? Interested in enrolling in an open clinical trial? Get in touch.
