UH Seidman Cancer Center
Call: 1.800.641.2422
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
Call: 1.866.223.8100
National Cancer Institute
Call: 1.800.4.CANCER (1.800.422.6237)
What Are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies. They move new methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer from the lab to the clinical setting. Many clinical trials are designed to not only test how effective a treatment may be, but also improve patient outcomes. In fact, most of today’s treatments were yesterday’s clinical trials.
Many trials have been pioneered right here at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. As one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, Cleveland’s center offers early access to clinical trials that are an important part of identifying, treating and curing cancer.
Types of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials examine prevention, screening, treatment and quality of life (supportive care).
- Prevention: Researchers seek ways to lower the risk of cancer, from lifestyle to diet.
- Screening: Screening trials look for new ways to identify cancer before symptoms exist.
- Treatment: These trials are, perhaps, the most familiar. They look at new treatments and new combinations of existing treatments.
- Quality of life (supportive care): Quality of Life trials look for ways to improve the comfort of those living with cancer. For example, experts may study drugs to reduce chemotherapy side effects or control pain.
Phases of Clinical Trials
Cancer clinical trials are done in "phases." Each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.
- Phase I looks for a safe dose
- Phase II measures effectiveness
- Phase III compares new treatment with best existing cancer treatment
- Phase IV evaluates new uses or long-term effects of the treatment
Joining a Clinical Trial
People choose a clinical trial hoping for the latest, best treatment and outcomes. Or, they join to improve cancer treatments for future patients. Before joining a clinical trial, doctors will assess whether a patient is an appropriate candidate. Meanwhile, patients should arm themselves with information about the trial.
Think through why you may want to participate in a clinical trial and learn your patient rights while doing so.
For more information, please contact:
UH Seidman Cancer Center
Call: 1.800.641.2422
Visit: www.uhhospitals.org/uh-research/department-research/cancer-research/clinical-trials
Cleveland Clinic
Call: 1.866.223.8100
Visit: my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/cancer/research-innovations
National Cancer Institute
Call: 1.800.4.CANCER (1.800.422.6237)
Visit: cancer.gov