CLINICAL TRIALS
Tackling the Issue
New tests and treatments aren’t offered to the public as soon as they’re made. They need to be studied. A clinical trial is a type of research that studies a test or treatment given to people. Clinical trials study how safe and helpful tests and treatments are. When found to be safe and helpful, they may become tomorrow’s standard of care. Clinical trials can study many things, such as:
New drugs not yet approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration),
New uses of drugs already approved by the FDA,
New ways to give drugs, such as in pill form,
Use of alternative medicines, such as herbs and vitamins,
New tests to find and track disease, and
Drugs or procedures that relieve symptoms.
Clinical trials are carefully designed, reviewed, and completed. The principal investigator is the person in charge of the trial. He or she is a scientist who’s an expert in what the clinical trial is about. The principal investigator takes the lead in designing the clinical trial, choosing the research team, and carrying out the study. Often, other scientists, called investigators, are part of the research team.
Clinical trials need to be approved before they can start. Clinical trials need sponsors since they can’t be done without money or other support. Sponsors often are government agencies, pharmaceutical (drug) companies, and non-profit organizations. Sponsors of the clinical trial review the research plan (also called a protocol). Funding or other support is given by the sponsor once the research plan is approved.
Clinical trials also need approval from an IRB (Institutional Review Board). An IRB is a group of people chosen by the health care center where patients will be enrolled in a clinical trial. Each IRB includes five members. These members must include a scientist, someone who’s not a scientist, and someone who’s not from the health care center. The IRB reviews the research plan to make sure the rights and welfare of patients are protected. After the trial has started, the IRB reviews its progress at least every year.
DSMBs (Data and Safety Monitoring Boards) review the progress of a clinical trial after it has started. Members of DSMBs are experts in clinical trials. They assess if patients are safe, the data is complete, and if the test or treatment is working. Not all clinical trials are reviewed by DSMBs but only those who the IRB thinks need more review than the IRB does.
What each clinical trial has to offer to patients differs. However, there are four general benefits. First, you'll have access to the most current cancer care. Second, you will be treated by experts. Third, the results of your treatment—both good and bad—are carefully tracked. Fourth, you may help other patients with cancer.
Clinical trials have risks too. Like any test or treatment, there may be side effects. Also, new tests or treatments may not work as good as or better than the one now in use. Another downside may be that paperwork or more trips to the hospital will be needed.