Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials¹

A clinical trial (also clinical research) is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people and ways to improve health. Interventional trials determine whether experimental treatments or new ways of using known therapies are safe and effective under controlled environments. Observational trials address health issues in large groups of people or populations in natural settings.

Clinical trials that are well-designed and well-executed are the best approach for eligible participants to:

• Play an active role in their own health care
• Gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available
• Obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial
• Help others by contributing to medical research

There are risks to clinical trials:

• There may be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening side effects to experimental treatment.
• The experimental treatment may not be effective for the participant.
• The protocol may require more of their time and attention than would a non-protocol treatment, including trips to the study site, more treatments, hospital stays or complex dosage requirements.

Resources

1. http://health.ucsd.edu/clinicaltrials/faq.htm#br

Research is essential to fight tumors/cancer.  Consult with a physician before agreeing to do a clinical trial.

Healogia :  Find a clinical trial for your specific condition in your area.

VirtualTrials.com :  a listing of clinical trials for brain tumor specific research

Clinicaltrials.gov :  a listing of all registered clinical research with the US Government.

Center Watch :   dedicated to providing patients and their advocates with a variety of information services and educational materials on clinical research.  CenterWatch offers reports that patients and advocates can purchase. These reports focus on specific illnesses and offer in depth information on clinical trials and new medical therapies.

National Cancer Institute  clinical trials :  A very useful source for information about clinical trials.

Vital Options :  A great source that explains clinical trials.  Search under resources.

eCancer trials :  A free and confidential cancer clinical trials matching and referral service provided to cancer patients and their caregivers.

Be sure to review all your options.  If you are connfused do not hesitate to ask questions.  If the answers are "over your head" make sure they explain it to you.  Repeat the information back aloud in your own words to demonstrate you understand.

Medical Disclaimer
This website is designed to provide additional information to patients and their loved ones when faced with intimidating diagnoses. A physician or medical professional should be consulted before making any health related decisions. We serve as a portal for information so that an informed and efficient decision can be concluded by all parties involved.  The creators of this site are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the content of this website. The purpose of the mAss Kickers is to empower people with knowledge, not to specifically advise people how to address each unique situation.