Cancer Clinical Trials – the Best Hope to Beat Cancer
Cancer Clinical Trials – the Best Hope to Beat Cancer Author: Daniel Sherwood
Cancer Clinical trials are the mechanism for improving survival and quality of life for individuals faced with a cancer diagnosis. Without trials, we would not know that mastectomy for breast cancer is equivalent to lumpectomy and axillary node dissection. We would not have the evidence that most patients with Hodgkin’s disease, aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and advanced testicular cancer can be cured with chemotherapy. In order to achieve these milestones in cancer treatment success, cancer clinical trials are designed in phases. I have listed some valuable information for you to read in one easy-to-read webpage. This is a free service for our valued readers which can be located on this link: Cancer Clinical Trials
Phase I Trials: The first step in testing a new approach in humans. Data from previous animal and laboratory studies are used to evaluate drug dose, drug metabolism, administration schedule and side effects. Patients are divided into small groups called “cohorts.” Each cohort is treated with increasing doses of the agent or combination until the maximal tolerated dose is reached. The highest dose associated with acceptable side effects is chosen for future studies. Generally, phase I trials are conducted on patients who have advanced disease and a variety of malignancies.
Phase II Trials: Determining the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment are the primary endpoints of phase II trials. A new drug, combination, or technique is studied on a small and relatively homogeneous group of patients. The type of cancer chosen for a phase II treatment is based on results of Phase I trials and laboratory studies. The primary purpose of most phase II cancer trials is to determine the percentage of patients that show a measurable response to treatment. Additional information on side effects and safety are also collected.
Phase III Trials: These large-scale trials compare a new treatment or combination that has shown promise in Phase II trials to the current standard therapy. Patients are randomly assigned to the standard approach. Phase III trials are critical for advancing the quality of cancer treatment and may establish a new standard of care.
An investigational study or clinical trial refers to a drug or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions.
Clinical trials help to identify better and safer anti-cancer drugs. Advances in treatment occur as a direct result of clinical trials. These advances lead to new standards of care and improved quality of life for those battling cancer. New and more effective therapies will translate to a reduction in recurrence rates and to the suffering endured by victims of cancer and their families. For more information on cancer clinical trials feel free to visit our website.