You doctor may suggest that you consider taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are a vital part of the search to find better treatments for cancer. Doctors conduct clinical trials to test new or modified treatments and see if they are better than existing treatments. Many people all over the world have taken part in clinical trials that have resulted in improvements to cancer treatment.
However the decision to take part in a clinical trial is always yours. If your doctor asks you to take part in a clinical trial, make sure that you fully understand the reasons for the trial and what it means for you. Before deciding whether or not to join the trial, you may wish to ask your doctor:
• What treatments are being tested and why?
• What tests are involved?
• What are the possible risks or side effects?
• How long would the trial last?
• Will I need to go into hospital for treatment?
• What will I do if any problems occur while I am in the trial?
If you decide to join a randomised clinical trial, you will be given either the best existing treatment or a promising new treatment. You will be chosen at random to receive one treatment or the other, but it will always be the best treatment available.
It is always your decision to take part in a clinical trial. If you do not want to take part, your doctor will discuss the best current treatment choices with you.
If you do join a clinical trial, you have the right to withdraw at any time. Doing so will not jeopardise your treatment for cancer.
No comments:
Post a Comment