Clinical trials are not usually the first treatment option that comes to mind for people with cancer. However, such studies may offer important benefits that should be considered when deciding on a specific treatment. Some of these benefits include:

• Cancer clinical trials are conducted to determine if new approaches to cancer treatment are safe and effective. Most of today's standard treatments are based on previous clinical study results.
• Because of the progress made through clinical studies, many people with cancer are living longer and better.
• If a treatment under study is found to be successful, study participants are among the first to benefit.
• Clinical studies offer hope and treatment options for patients with some types of cancer that otherwise may not have a known curative or effective treatment.
• Clinical trials offer carefully monitored, up-to-date cancer care. In "non-randomized studies," all patients receive the experimental treatment. In "randomized studies," participants who do not receive the study treatment receive what is currently considered an effective treatment (or a standard of care).
• By continuing to receive other medical care not related to the clinical trial through your primary care physician, you are allowed to maintain an ongoing relationship with your own doctor.
• Participants in clinical studies make a valuable contribution to fighting cancer. Answers to important scientific questions may be found, leading to new advances and perhaps even future cures in cancer.

Risks

Some risks do exist and must be carefully considered, including:

• Sometimes the new treatments being studied do not always prove to be more effective than the standard treatment. They may have similar results, but occasionally, the results are worse.
• New treatments may have unexpected side effects or risks. Sometimes new treatments being tested have worse side effects than those of the standard treatment.
• In controlled clinical studies, not all participants will receive the new approach being tested.
• Some people will not receive the new treatment but will receive what is considered an effective treatment. However, if the new treatment shows dramatic improvement over the standard therapy, the trial may be halted and the control group may receive the new approach.
• Practical problems-such as getting transportation to the study site, time off from work and child care-may arise.

Despite the many considerations, some people feel that the benefits outweigh the risks involved in participating in a study and opt to participate, if eligible. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what clinical trials might be appropriate for you. If your doctor is unwilling to help you or is not interested in your search for information, you may want to ask for a second opinion from another cancer specialist.