What is a Clinical Trial?
Researchers study cancer in many ways, from laboratory experiments to patient care, with the shared goal of helping people live healthier lives. A clinical trial is a research study that helps scientists find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. Clinical trials also can help improve comfort and quality of life for patients during treatment. Many cancer treatments used today were first tested in clinical trials.
How Clinical Trials Work at Case CCC
Case CCC is unique because experts from different organizations work together as one team. Doctors and scientists from University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, and Case Western Reserve University share research, technology, and ideas to improve cancer care. This also gives Northeast Ohio patients access to more clinical trials, treatment options, and specialized experts than one hospital could provide alone.
People often make the mistake of thinking that some people in a clinical trial do not get treated at all. This is false. Everyone receives either the standard of care—meaning the highest level of care the doctors can provide at the time—or the trial, which is sometimes called an intervention. All trials are examined by experts to ensure safety before being tested on human patients. Learn more about clinical trials on our Clinical Trial FAQs page.
Why Should I Join a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial can offer:
• New cancer treatments or combinations of treatments
• Precision medicine, which matches treatments to a person’s specific cancer
• New technology and imaging tools
• Studies focused on reducing side effects and improving quality of life
• Research on cancer prevention and early detection
A patient in a clinical trial always gets the standard of care for their type of cancer.
How Safety Is Protected
Every clinical trial follows strict safety and ethical rules. Before a study can begin, it is carefully reviewed to help protect patients.
Doctors and care teams explain the purpose of the study, possible risks and benefits, and what patients can expect during the trial. This helps patients and families make informed decisions about their care.
Clinical Trials Bring New Cancer Treatment Options to Patients
Choosing to Join a Clinical Trial
It is always your choice to join a clinical trial! Some patients participate because they may have access to new treatments. Others want to help researchers learn more about cancer and improve care for future patients. If you are curious, ask your doctor if there is a clinical trial or use Case CCC’s clinical trial finders.
Whether or not someone joins a clinical trial, their care team will continue to support them throughout their cancer journey.
Find a Cancer Doctor at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
Search for Clinical Trials at Case CCC
Find a Cancer Doctor at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
More Information
To learn more about your clinical trial options, please contact:
UH Seidman Cancer Center
Call: 1.800.641.2422
Visit: 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