Lung Cancer

CLINICAL TRIALS

The role of clinical trials for people with lung cancer

Today's strategies available for treating lung cancer are the result of the medical community’s commitment to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. This is accomplished through structured research studies known as clinical trials.

Some clinical trials investigate whether a new type of treatment, such as a drug, surgery or radiation therapy or a combination of them, is better than the current standard of care. Researchers are also evaluating how various substances in tumors affect the body’s immune responses, and are creating ways to reduce treatment side effects. Lung cancer clinical trials are exploring novel diagnostic tools, additional targeted therapies, improved surgical techniques, more effective radiation therapy and combinations of different approaches for early- and late-stage cancers. Such crucial research fuels advances that continue to transform cancer care, giving more people the chance to live longer and have better quality lives after a cancer diagnosis.

Once thought of as a last resort, clinical trials are increasingly becoming the first treatment option for people diagnosed with cancer. Ask your doctor if you should consider a clinical trial. You can also search for them online. However, that can be complicated because thousands of trials are in progress across the country.

The mock search site below explains how to navigate the process. Before you begin, have your exact diagnosis, pathology report and details of previous treatments handy to determine if you qualify.

Index

SIDEBAR: WHAT A CLINICAL TRIAL CAN DO FOR YOU…

In some situations, a trial may offer the best option among treatments. Additionally, you may benefit from the following:

  • Access to leading-edge treatments that aren’t yet available for your type or stage of disease.
  • An alternative strategy if your cancer has become resistant to your current treatment.
  • Another option if your type of cancer is rare and doesn’t have as many standard treatments.
  • A higher level of care because you will be closely monitored by your regular oncologist and the clinical trial
    medical team. This extra attention may help identify and then treat side effects or other problems earlier.
  • The role of being an active partner in your care. It is always your decision to participate. And if the trial doesn’t meet your expectations at any time or for any reason, you may leave the trial and return to standard-of-care treatment. A clinical trial will not jeopardize your care.

AND WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR A CLINICAL TRIAL…

  • Your involvement is an opportunity to help advance cancer treatments. Not all participants have the same
    experience, even if the treatment is the same, and all the information gathered from a trial is valuable.
  • Many survivors look for opportunities to give back. You may feel a sense of accomplishment at being able to contribute to the future of cancer care.