People should know as much as possible about the clinical trial and feel comfortable asking the members of the health care team questions about it. Here are some questions to ask before your elderly parent agrees to participate in a cancer clinical trial:
- What is the purpose of the study?
- What exactly is being studied?
- How long will the study last and how long will I be in the study?
- How many people will participate?
- Which phase of the study will I participate in?
- How often will I need to go to the hospital or clinic?
- What test will I need?
- Is there a chance that I will receive a placebo in the study?
- Will I continue to see my own personal doctor?
- Will there be any cost to me?
- Will participating in the study affect my daily life?
- What kind of long-term follow-up care is included in the study?
- Will I learn the results of the study? If so, when?
- What are the potential benefits and possible risks?
Where Do Clinical Trials Take Place?
They are underway all over the country - in cancer centers, other major medical centers, community hospitals and clinics, physicians' offices and veterans' and military hospitals in numerous cities and towns around the United States.
What Happens During a Cancer Treatment Clinical Trial?
What happens during a cancer treatment clinical trial depends on the kind of trial being conducted. Doctors may administer treatments, drugs or other therapies, depending on what they are studying. The participant will know exactly what to expect in terms of "what will be done to them." Your parent will receive specific instructions for participating in the trial. Researchers monitor participants carefully and check the health of the participant at the beginning of the trial. They will also likely stay in touch with your elderly parent after the trial is completed.
There are different types of clinical trials.
- Treatment trials test experimental treatments, new combinations of drugs, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.
- Prevention trials look for ways to prevent disease in people who have never had the disease or to prevent a disease from returning. These approaches may include medicines, vaccines, vitamins, minerals or lifestyle changes.
- Diagnostic trials are conducted to find better tests or procedures for diagnosing cancer.
- Quality of Life trials (or Supportive Care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and the quality of life for individuals with a chronic illness.