 
What Happens In A
Clinical Trial?
In a clinical trial, patients receive
treatment and doctors carry out research on how the
treatment affects the patients. While clinical trials have
risks for the people participate, each study also takes
steps to protect patients.
When you take part in a clinical trial,
you receive your treatment in a cancer center, hospital,
clinic, and/or doctor’s office. Doctors, nurses, social
workers, and other health professionals may be a part of
your treatment team. They will follow your progress closely.
You may have more tests and doctor visits than you would if
you were not taking part in a study. You will follow a
treatment plan your doctor prescribes, and you may also have
other responsibilities such as keeping a log or filling out
forms about your health. Some studies continue to check on
patients even after their treatment is over.
How Is The Research Carried Out? How Are
Patients Protected?
In clinical trials, both research
concerns and patient well-being are important. To help
protect patients and produce sound results, research with
people is carried out according to strict scientific and
ethical principles.
The study's investigator, usually a
doctor, prepares an action plan for the study. Known as a
protocol, this plan explains what will be done in the study
and why. It outlines how many people will take part in the
study, what medical tests they will receive and how often,
and the treatment plan. The same protocol is used by each
doctor that takes part in the study.
For a complete list of the current Clinical Trials, go to the
Health Alliance Cancer Services website.
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lori.hagerty@ucphysicians.com