Clinical trials for colorectal cancer

Clinical trials are a type of medical research used to test cutting edge approaches for treating or diagnosing disease, including cancer. Trials give researchers, scientists, and clinical providers important information about the effectiveness of new treatments, vaccines, biologics, surgery and devices, leading to the development of promising options for patients. They can also look at new combinations of approved drugs and existing treatments. Clinical trials are the first point of testing new treatments in humans and the last point of testing prior to submission to the FDA for approval. Prior to clinical trials, experimental testing is conducted in the lab and in animals, usually for many years. Clinical trials may seek to discover new drugs, new ways of giving patients approved drugs or new combinations of approved drugs as well as new surgical techniques, devices or biological products. Clinical trial participation is always voluntary and usually conducted in different settings from clinical care.

Cancer trials differ slightly from other clinical trials because cancer trials ensure all participants get either the standard of care (SOC), which is already approved, or the experimental treatment. Placebos are not given in cancer clinical trials.

Side effects are one potential risk of participating in a clinical trial; some may be serious or life-threatening.  You may not directly benefit from the trial and you may need to travel, depending on if a trail is available near you. While the clinical trial drug costs are covered by the research sponsor and routine procedures should be covered by your insurance company, you may want to find out what your insurance will cover that is not included in the trial.

“Informed consent” is that process that protects patients by ensuring that the researchers fully inform participants about the benefits and risks of the trial. Patients are closely monitored for any potential problems. If a treatment shows negative results for most patients, it is discontinued. If a treatment is benefiting most patients, others in the trial may be switched to that beneficial treatment. Patients can leave the trial at any time for any reason and may resume the standard treatment or explore other clinical trials.

There are many benefits to clinical trials, including access promising new treatments that may not be available elsewhere. Intensified cancer care that incorporates the latest advances with your current standard of care. Close monitoring by an expert team of research doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Getting to take an active role in your care and ultimately helping others by contributing to medical research.