Your doctor may have mentioned the possibility of entering into a clinical study. In clinical studies, prescription medicines and new treatments are studied. Your doctor may recommend going into a clinical study for a potential treatment that is being tested and hasn’t been approved yet.
A clinical study is used to study how medicines work for certain groups of people and diseases. They can also compare one medicine to another.
Since treatments for lung cancer are always being developed, there are studies underway to study these treatments.
Finding Clinical Studies
Many clinical trials to investigate promising cancer treatments are underway in Canada. Canadian Cancer Trials can help you find clinical trials in your area. Talk to your doctor to determine if clinical trials may be right for you.
Is Participating in a Clinical Study Right for Me?
A clinical trial or study is a carefully controlled way to research the effectiveness and safety of new treatments. A common myth is that clinical trial volunteers are guinea pigs, or that clinical trials are used as a last resort. This is not true. Deciding to take part in a clinical study can be a difficult decision, and it may not be for everyone. Here are some questions to consider before making the commitment:
- Why do I want to be in a clinical trial?
- What are my goals and expectations if I decide to take part? How realistic are these?
- Do I understand the chance of benefits versus the risks?
- Have I thought of other possible factors, such as travel, time and money?
Each person’s situation is unique, and each person’s reasons for wanting or not wanting to take part in a study may be different. Discussing with family and your healthcare team can help you make the best decision for you.
