Knowit Forums

[Kelly]

How do you get plugged into clinical trials? Where do you start?

[GrannieDee]

Most clinical trials for cancer are conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or other research groups, in conjunction with the drug companies.

The first trial I participated in was on the news, with a 1 800 number to call. I was called back by the Oklahoma City clinician that was in charge. I went through the testing and filled out pages and pages of questions. After acceptance, I took medication for five years--with twice a year checkups and lots of paperwork to fill out. I started the trial in 1991, and completed in 1996. After the first trial, I became eligible for a second trial because I took a placebo in the first trial. I completed the second five year trial in 2002, and I'm still in annual followup for the two trials.

There was no payment to me for participating, and I paid for parts of the medical exams. The blood/lab work was paid by the NCI, and I did not pay for the drugs.

These are long term committments, but make a very important comtribution. All the major hospitals in Oklahoma City have a cancer research center. You can contact them to see if there are any trials you might be eligible for. However, during the Bush administration, many clinical research groups lost their funding--the number of new trials was greatly reduced.

As for the trials I've seen advertised on television--I wouldn't participate in any of those without checking with my primary physician first.

Good luck and bless you for asking!

[crystal]

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Clinical trials may also compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available.

Every clinical trial has a protocol, or action plan, for conducting the trial. The plan describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary. Each study has its own rules about who can participate. Some studies need volunteers with a certain disease. Some need healthy people. Others want just men or just women.

In the United States, an independent committee of physicians, statisticians and members of the community must approve and monitor the protocol. They make sure that the risks are small and are worth the potential benefits.