Often you will here people talk about clinical trials and you accept it for what it is but you don't really know what that means. In a nutshell, it tests new treatment. Clinical trials look at improving treatments that are currently being used and accomplishes that by look at the side effects, checking through screening and they make a special contribution for future treatments.
If we are looking at a new treatment, you should be aware that it has to go through three phases of trials before it will get approval through the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
Phase I
This phase of a trial helps to see safety and side effects and the most effective way of providing the treatment.
Phase II
This phase of a trial determines if the new treatment actually has a positive effect and if 20% of the patients receiving this treatment do well on this treatment then the treatment goes on for further evaluation.
Phase III
This phase of a trial compares the new treatment to the most effecting treatment for that type of cancer. Phase III could also add a new drug to an already proven drug or combination thereof to see if it could be more effective. Phase III trial does mean that the current standard treatment or the new treatment is what the participatn will receive.
All Participants that are eligible for a clinical trial are instructed as to the possible risks, benefits, and what side effects could be. A participant in a clinical trial may drop out at any time during the trial and it is their right to do so.
There are many different clinical trails available and worth following through with your team of doctors.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of any medical institution.
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