Clinical Trials
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it is important to explore every available treatment option.
Clinical trials are an opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments and therapies before they become widely available.
Oncology Consultants frequently runs clinical trials at all of our facilities. These include Phase One trials, which are typically only available at very select research facilities.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new drugs or other types of therapies. Cancer treatments and therapies have vastly improved over time thanks to clinical trials. And if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, a clinical trial may be one of the treatment options available to you.
Is a clinical trial for me?
When you're deciding whether to join a trial, we'll give you a thorough explanation so you can make the right choice. We'll give you a document called an "informed consent form" that tells you everything you need to know about the trial. You can take this paper home and talk to your family and friends before you make a decision.
It's important to know that this document is not a contract, and it doesn't force you to stay in the trial if you change your mind. You can always talk to your doctor if you want to leave the trial at any time.
Clinical trials are vital when it comes to developing new and effective cancer treatments. But they can seem daunting. Which is why it’s important to provide accurate information about how they work.
Below, we debunk some myths around clinical trials and present the facts, empowering you to make informed decisions about participating in one.
Fact: Patient safety is our top priority. While clinical trials involve testing new treatments, every step of the process is carefully monitored and regulated by strict protocols and ethical guidelines. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to us, so our expert team ensures that all potential risks and benefits are thoroughly explained before you decide to participate. Additionally, our clinical trials undergo extensive review by independent committees to ensure patient safety throughout the process.
Fact: Clinical trials offer cutting-edge treatments. Clinical trials explore new treatments, but they are not just for patients who have exhausted all other options. In fact, participating in a clinical trial can give you access to cutting-edge therapies that may be more effective or have fewer side effects than standard treatments. Our team of oncologists will discuss all available treatment options, including clinical trials, ensuring you have the necessary information to make the best decision for your unique situation.
Fact: Clinical trials cover a wide range of stages and types of cancer. Clinical trials are designed to study different aspects of cancer care, from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment options for advanced stages. They cover a wide range of cancer types and stages, offering unique treatment opportunities for patients at various points in their cancer journey. Our clinical trials are tailored to address specific medical needs, and we will work with you to find the most appropriate trial for your individual condition. At Oncology Consultants, we are dedicated to advancing the field of oncology through clinical research. Participating in a clinical trial can not only benefit you but also contribute to scientific progress and pave the way for improved cancer treatments in the future.
Need more information?
If you want to learn more about clinical trials, please get in touch with your doctor. They will help you understand how a clinical trial works and go through all the details, including benefits and risks. If you’re still interested, they can suggest available trials that might be right for you.
*All physicians, research staff, nurses, pharmacists, and infusion technicians involved in research activities at Oncology Consultants are GCP-certified, as required by the FDA
