Lung Cancer
Clinical Trials
Strategies for treating and managing lung cancer are progressing at a rapid pace. People who have lung cancer containing certain abnormalities are finding success with newly approved molecular and targeted therapies. These, and all other previous advances, are the result of clinical trials. The medical and research communities want to keep up this momentum, but they can only do so with the help of people who are willing to participate. As a result, understanding clinical trials and the positive impact they have on the future of lung cancer treatment is crucial.
Clinical trials are highly regulated research studies that search for new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, treat and cure cancer. The type of clinical trial most people are familiar with tests new medical approaches, such as new drugs, drug combinations, surgeries, medical procedures and devices.
However, these studies are also used to explore non-treatment strategies, such as disease prevention, patient screening, diagnostic tools and procedures, genetic risk factors and lifestyle/behavioral changes. Many trials incorporate measures to improve quality of life.
The quality of research increases when the volunteers come from diverse groups because many factors influence how people react to certain drugs, medical devices and treatment plans. Additionally, different life experiences add valuable perspectives to these projects. Consequently, volunteers of all ages, genders, locations, ethnicities, weights, sexual orientations and socioeconomic groups are needed. Minority patients are especially encouraged to consider participating.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or ready for a new treatment option, clinical trials offer potential access to state-of-the-art therapies that may help you as well as lung cancer patients for generations to come.
How to Search for a Clinical Trial
Have the details of your diagnosis, pathology report and information about any previous cancer diagnoses and treatments on hand.
1. Visit www.clinicaltrials.gov
2. Fill out the basic form, including your preference for location and specific treatments.
3. Add your molecular testing results and other details in the “Other terms” section.
4. Review the list of available trials and discuss them with your doctor to determine whether you meet the required criteria.
5. New trials are added frequently, so check back on clinicaltrials.gov and visit other clinical trial search sites.
