Research
deserves our best effort because it enables us to find new and better ways to
care for our patients. The physicians at Oncology Hematology Care are committed
to providing the best and most up-to-date medical care. We participate in
research studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and numerous other
sponsors. Trials are currently available for a variety of cancers and cancer
related conditions.
To learn more, please call our Research
Department at (513) 936-5388 or (888) 649-4800.
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 diagnose, 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:
- Prevention
studies look at lifestyle changes or drugs that may help prevent cancer.
- Diagnostic
studies look at ways of detecting cancer or finding out more about a particular
tumor.
- Treatment
studies 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. Your doctor or nurse will discuss these
with you before you agree 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.