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Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding whether or not to participate in a clinical trial/study is a difficult decision to make. To assist you, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may provide you with the information you need to make this important decision. The information below has been borrowed from the National Institutes of Health's cancer.gov website.
What are the different types of clinical trials?
Treatment trials test new treatments (like a new cancer drug, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods such as gene therapy).
Prevention trials test new approaches, such as medicines, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements that doctors believe may lower the risk of a certain type of cancer. These trials also include the observation of changes in behavior, such as smoking and exercise. These trials look for the best way to prevent cancer in people who have never had cancer or to prevent cancer from coming back or a new cancer occurring in people who have already had cancer.
Screening trials test the best way to find cancer, especially in its early stages. See Understanding Screening Trials for additional information.
Quality of Life trials (also called Supportive Care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients. See Understanding Supportive Care Trials for additional information.
Genetics studies are sometimes part of another cancer clinical trial. The genetics component of the trial may focus on how genetic makeup can affect detection, diagnosis, or response to cancer treatment.
Population- and family-based genetic research studies differ from traditional cancer clinical trials. In these studies, researchers look at tissue or blood samples, generally from families or large groups of people, to find genetic changes that are associated with cancer. People who participate in genetics studies may or may not have cancer, depending on the study. The goal of these studies is to help understand the role of genes in the development of cancer.
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