Clinical Trials
Clinical trials provide our patients with access to the most advanced treatments available. A clinical trial is a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new cancer treatment for our patients. Each of the Thoracic Oncology Program trials is designed to answer scientific questions and to find new and better ways to help lung, esophageal and thymic cancer patients.
Clinical research involves a wide spectrum of studies, including definition of the value of new imaging tests, basic science research into the nature of cancer cells that are removed at the time of surgery, blood tests to better understand the mechanisms by which cancers can spread, research into risk factors and early detection of cancers, as well as new treatments. These research studies are designed after extensive discussion, often among experts throughout the country, and after a formal review process that evaluates whether the design of the study is scientifically sound and can be reasonably expected to be of benefit and not lead to harm. Considering the extent of this process, it should come as no surprise that data shows that in general patients achieve better outcomes when participating in a clinical trial than when being treated according to community standards.
Before a new treatment is tried with patients, it is carefully studied in the laboratory. With any new treatment there may be risks as well as possible benefits. There may also be some risks that are not yet known. Phasing in a new treatment in the carefully controlled process of a clinical trial is the best way to safely understand how best to use a new treatment and evaluate its efficacy and limitations.
Standard treatments, the ones now being used, are often the base for building new, hopefully better treatments. Many new treatments are designed on the basis of what has worked in the past, in efforts to improve on this. As a patient in the Thoracic Oncology Program, you may be interested in or offered entry into a clinical trial. It is important that patients learn as much as they can about the trial. Your TOP phusician and staff will explain the clinical trial for which you are eligible. Please ask as many questions as you would like so you fully understand the trial before deciding to participate.
