Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a research study conducted to find a better way to treat cancer. The research can evaluate the effectiveness of a new drug or a new treatment. The results of a clinical trial are compared to a drug or treatment that is currently being used to determine which one is more effective. Discovering more effective cancer treatments depend on these trials.

Currently, there are hundreds of ongoing clinical trials in the United States. Although clinical trials are a vital component of cancer care and are crucial for improving cancer treatment, fewer than five percent of cancer patients currently participate in clinical trials. The reasons for the small number of participants vary, but it is often because the patient is not interested or unaware that the trials exist. It may also be because it is difficult to find an appropriate clinical trial that may benefit the particular patient. There are also times when the patient is ineligible because of prior treatment interventions. Each trial has stipulations concerning who may participate in the study.

The decision to participate in a clinical trial is up to the individual. The physicians and staff at Integrity Oncology strongly support clinical trials, but leave the decision to be involved entirely to the patient. Each patient is encouraged to thoroughly investigate all aspects of a particular trail and a physician at Integrity Oncology will assist with that process, presenting as much information as possible and answering any questions.