Clinical trials are a key tool for advancing medical knowledge and patient
care. They’re important for discovering new treatments for diseases,
as well as new ways to detect, diagnose, and reduce the chance of developing
the disease. Clinical trials can show researchers what does and doesn’t
work in humans that cannot be learned in the laboratory or in animals.
Local cancer researchers work with our
cancer center to quickly move the most promising research results from their labs into
clinical trials. This gives you early access to new and innovative cancer
treatments.
Clinical trials are needed because researchers do not know the results
without testing. This uncertainty can make it hard for a patient to decide
to participate in a clinical trial. Adverse reactions in patient volunteers
are rare; millions of people have been helped because other people before
them chose to participate in a trial that resulted in a new, more effective
treatment.
Each clinical trial is thoroughly reviewed and checked by review boards
and research staff. These teams make sure that patients understand the
study’s purpose and risks. Today, federal laws are in place to protect
you from being taken advantage of through medical research.
Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Diversity in clinical trials is very important since the largest demographic
of participants has historically been Caucasian men. Large groups such
as African Americans and women were left out. Sometimes, cancer treatments
can affect racial and ethnic groups differently. By joining a clinical
trial that you’re eligible to participate in, you can help future
generations.
Types of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials examine prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship
(in cancer patients), and quality of life.
In prevention trials, researchers seek ways to lower the risk of cancer,
from lifestyle to diet.
Screening trials look for new ways to identify cancer before symptoms exist.
Treatment trials are the most familiar. They look at new treatments and
new combinations of existing treatments.
Survivorship trials study post-cancer health issues, which includes minimizing
long-term effects of treatment such as infertility.
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.
Who Manages Clinical Trials at Ogden Clinic?
Utah Hematology Oncology | Ogden Clinic (UHO) is affiliated with Community
Cancer Trials of Utah (CCT). CCT manages the trials and the patients’
care is managed by UHO providers and staff. Together, UHO and CCT provide
access to clinical trials that would not otherwise be available locally
and, frequently, not through any other provider or institution in the region.
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