What to Know about Clinical Trials
April is National Cancer Control Month, a time to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, improving cancer treatments, increasing the survival rate of cancer, and improving the quality of life for people living with cancer. Cancer clinical trials play a pivotal role in cancer prevention, advancing cancer research, and improving treatment outcomes. Several clinical trials are being conducted, including imaging clinical trials. Discover the importance of imaging clinical trials and types of imaging clinical trials.
What are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to treat cancer, relieve symptoms and side effects, and prevent cancer. These trials study the effectiveness and safety of medication or treatments. Clinical trials help doctors discover more effective ways to treat cancer and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. The Food and Drug Administration requires clinical trials to be conducted before they are approved for use to ensure they work and are safe.
What are Imaging Clinical Trials?
Similar to other types of clinical trials, imaging clinical trials are research studies aimed to answer specific questions that will determine the importance of imaging procedures for detecting, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring cancer.
Why Join an Imaging Clinical Trial?
Participating in a cancer-related imaging clinical trial is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cancer research and aid in cancer control.
What are the Types of Imaging Clinical Trials?
There are several types of imaging clinical trials including:
Screening Imaging Clinical Trials
Researchers use screening imaging clinical trials to discover what type of imaging tests are the most effective for detecting disease early, even before symptoms arise.
Diagnostic Imaging Clinical Trials
Diagnostic imaging clinical trials help further research relating to what type of imaging tests best detect cancer once it is suspected, help monitor cancer or treatment, and determine if treatment is working.
Image-Guided Interventional Clinical Trials
Image-guided interventional clinical trials asses how therapies using imaging techniques are working.
Questions to Ask
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Why is this clinical trial being done?
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What phase is this clinical trial in?
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What are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial?
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Am I eligible to participate?
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What should I do if I’m in a clinical trial?
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What kind of imaging will be done as part of this treatment?
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What side effects might I expect from the trial treatment?
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Will I be able to find out about the results of the clinical trial?
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Can I quit a clinical trial?
Joining a clinical trial requires careful consideration and research to ensure you’re making the decision that is best for your treatment journey. Lean on your cancer care team for support and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions that arise while you make your decision.
Sources:
NIH: National Cancer Institute: Cancer Imaging Program: Clinical Trial Basics
American Cancer Society: Deciding Whether to Be Part of a Clinical Trial