What are cancer clinical trials?

(ARA) - Clinical trials play an important role in the development of cancer treatments. They are carried out in hopes of finding safer and more effective ways to screen for, prevent, diagnose or treat cancer. In fact, cancer medicines now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were first studied in clinical trials.

Cancer studies can help answer important questions about the safety and effectiveness of a drug or combination of drugs. Often, they are conducted in a specific group of people with a particular type of cancer. The studies may provide access to investigational therapies and, at a minimum, to the standard of care.

"Clinical trials provide an option to those with cancer to receive access to innovative therapies, quality care and personal attention, as well as a unique opportunity to help move cancer research forward benefiting all Americans," said Scott T. Williams, vice president of Men's Health Network. "When considering study participation, it's important to know the facts about clinical trials and talk through the potential risks and benefits with your doctor, family members and caregivers."

Cancer clinical trials are federally regulated to provide ethical and legal codes to protect the patients. For example, informed consent is designed to ensure that participants have all the information and resources they need to make an informed decision about whether to begin or continue in a study. Study participants receive an overview of the study, treatment procedures, schedule and potential risks. Participants are also closely monitored, and the research team is obligated to share any significant new information or concerns.

If a study uses a placebo, which is rare in cancer clinical trials, patients will also at least receive the current standard of care. And with the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of March 2010, group and individual health insurance plans will be required to cover routine patient costs of qualified individuals who participate in certain clinical trials, with some exclusions, and discrimination against someone based on clinical trial participation will be prohibited.

If you find a cancer study that interests you, questions to discuss with your doctor may include:

* Who is eligible to participate in this study?

* What tests and treatments will be used?

* How does this treatment (including its potential benefits and side effects) compare to other options?

* How will participating in this study affect my daily life?

* How will the study investigators monitor my health and safety?

Clinical trials are underway in many types of cancer, including tumor types without many approved treatment options such as late stage prostate cancer.

AstraZeneca's Cancer Study Locator is a free, confidential service designed to help people with cancer, physicians and caregivers identify clinical trial options based on diagnosis and treatment history. To find a cancer study, call the Cancer Study Locator toll-free at 877-400-4656 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, or visit www.FindACancerStudy.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent