The advancement of medical treatments available today is a direct result of years of research. The development of new drugs and medical devices, innovative surgical procedures and new drug combinations are just a few of the many advances made each year because of knowledge gained from clinical trials. Treatment options offered to cancer patients are a direct result of research and thousands of patients who have consented to be treated on a clinical trial.
What is a clinical trial? A clinical trial is designed to answer a scientific question. A study may involve a new cancer drug. Will this drug be effective in the treatment of cancer? What kind of side-effects will a patient experience while on this drug? How safe is this new drug? Other trials may compare a standard cancer treatment with a new treatment design. New treatments are developed with the hope of finding better and more effective methods of cancer control.
Why should your hospital offer clinical trials? A cancer center of excellence is dedicated to providing patients and families with the highest available level of medical care and emotional support throughout the cancer journey. Research adds another dimension to this program and offers patients additional options for care. By having clinical trials available, the most up-to-date treatments will be available to all eligible patients.
Why should patients consider a clinical trial? Patients participate in clinical trials for many reasons. They may hope for a cure of their disease, a way to feel better, a longer time to live and the potential to help others. Patients in a clinical trial are among the first to receive a new research treatment. This new treatment may prove to be of more benefit to the patient. During and after the treatment phase of a clinical trial, the patient is carefully monitored to see how the treatment is working. This information becomes part of a network of information from doctors and researchers around the country. Patients in these studies receive the benefit of their expertise.
How can you become a part of a clinical trial? Ask your doctor about the clinical trials available at DeKalb Medical. Our program is affiliated with many study bases, including the National Cancer Institute co-operative group studies. Studies are available for almost every disease site.
Location(s)
• 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 404-501-5701