Trials

PillsClinical trials are research studies that test new drugs and treatments to help manage diseases. The following are benefits
and risks of clinical trials, from the Canadian Cancer Encyclopedia (2012):

Benefits

  • When an experimental treatment is being studied in comparison to a standard treatment, it is possible that the participant might not receive the new treatment being tested. However, the participant will receive the best standard cancer treatment available.
  • If the new drug being studied in a clinical trial works effectively to treat or prevent cancer, the participants in the study will be the first to benefit.
  • In learning about clinical research and joining a clinical trial, a person takes an active role in a decision that affects their life. This can be personally empowering.
  • The person may benefit from the extra follow-up care provided to participants.
  • The person has a chance to help others and to improve the treatment of cancer.
  • The person has a chance to further the knowledge of early detection, screening and diagnosis, supportive care and prevention of cancer, which could lead to improved outcomes.
  • Cancer screening trials may encourage participants to continue checkups on a regular basis, which can lead to overall improved health.

Risks

  • New drugs or treatments under study are not always better than, or as good as, the standard ones.
  • There may be unexpected side effects that may be worse than those caused by standard drugs or treatments. A person is watched carefully during the study in case they have a bad reaction to the new drug or treatment.
  • Although a new drug or treatment may have benefits, it may not work for every participant (just as a standard treatment may not work for everyone).
  • Participants that get standard treatment may not benefit as much as those receiving the new one (if it is found to be more effective at treating cancer).
  • Being in a clinical trial may take extra time or be inconvenient. A person may be required to have more tests or take extra medicines.

Clinical Trials