Research deserves our best effort. The physicians at Oncology/Hematology Care are committed to providing the best and most up-to-date medical care for our patients. Finding new and better ways to care for patients is a top priority. The physicians at Oncology/Hematology Care participate in research studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and by numerous other sponsors. Trials are currently available for a variety of cancers and cancer related conditions.

What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies involving patients. In cancer research, a study may be designed to see how a promising new drug, or a new diagnostic test, or a possible way to prevent cancer affects the people who receive it. Before a new treatment is tried with patients, it is studied very carefully in the laboratory.

Why are clinical trials important?
Clinical trials help find new and better ways to diagnoses, treat or prevent cancer. Cancer survivors are alive today because of the new information gained through clinical trials over the past 30 years. We have better information and better treatments. Not only has this resulted in better survival, but also improved quality of life.

What are the different kinds of clinical trials?
There are 3 types of clinical trials. They are:

• Prevention studies, which look at lifestyle changes or drugs that may help prevent cancer.
• Diagnostic studies, which look at ways of detecting cancer or finding out more about a particular tumor.
• Treatment studies, which look at new ways to treat cancer.

What are the benefits of taking part in a study?
Patients who participate in research studies have the advantage that the possible new drug, diagnostic test or preventive measure will be better than what is now available. These patients have the first chance to benefit from them. Also, patients who take part in studies may receive specialized care and monitoring during and after the study. Many patients take part in research studies not only for their own possible benefit, but because the new knowledge may benefit others with cancer.

What are the risks?
Clinical trials can carry unknown risks and side effects as well as hoped for benefits. Because research studies are testing new treatments, the risks involved are not always known ahead of time. Patients must sign an informed consent before taking part in a clinical trial. The informed consent explains the risks and benefits of the study. These are discussed with the patient’s doctor or nurse before agreeing to participate in the trial.

Who can participate in the clinical trial?
All clinical trials have certain guidelines about who can enter the study. These guidelines are based on such factors as type of disease, age, medical history, and current medical condition. This helps ensure that the study results are accurate.

What are the Costs? Does insurance cover the cost of participation?
Different arrangements and policies exist at different research institutions. Health insurance plans can vary also; some cover all or part of the costs, some make decisions on a case by case basis and some may not cover any expenses. The National Cancer Institute is working with many major managed care and health insurance programs to encourage coverage for cancer patients who want to participate in a research study. Much progress has been made toward improving coverage. Some clinical trials offer some drugs or exams free of charge. Each trial is different.