ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS
Here at CareXplorer, our goal is to help you better understand what clinical trials are all about. Here are some key questions and answers that will be answered over the course of you receiving our e-mail newsletters.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are a way for doctors and researchers to figure out whether a new drug is safe and effective. Often a clinical trial is used to learn if a new treatment is more effective and/or has less harmful side effects than the standard treatment. In many cancer clinical trials, patients receive either the standard treatment or the standard treatment and the new drug.
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How can I participate?
By far the most important step you can take is to have a discussion with your doctor to find out if you qualify for a given clinical trial and if the trial is right for you. Ask your doctor.
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Are clinical trials safe?
As is the case with standard treatment, cancer clinical trials have risks and potential benefits, which are carefully explained by the study staff.
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Are clinical trials right for me?
It really depends on your type of cancer and many other factors.
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How do I qualify for a clinical trial?
Generally, you qualify based on the site, stage, age, treatments you may already have taken, and many other factors. Ask your doctor to find out.
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Do I have to pay for clinical trials?
Typically, the drug company or the government covers the cost of participating. Many trials also pay patients a small fee to participate.
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