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As part of our commitment to providing the most thorough care, Trinitas
Comprehensive Cancer Center participates in clinical trials to test new
medications and other advances in treatment and technology. Because we
believe that patients should have access to as many treatment options as
possible, our highly accomplished and board certified oncologists encourage patients to participate in clinical trials when the
most appropriate treatment is a trial with a new compound.
As part of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), our Comprehensive
Cancer Center is part of a larger network of cancer centers that partake in
clinical research being conducted by major pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies. The range of choices has expanded dramatically for patients who
want to evaluate every possible option available to them. New drugs, updated
drug delivery methods and immunotherapy are part of what we offer at the
Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Trinitas staffs medical oncologists that are experienced in most forms of
cancer. These oncologists work with a team of professionals including
radiation oncologists when appropriate, advanced practice nurses, oncology
certified and trained nurses, a clinical research manager, nutritionists and
social workers in order to provide accessible, personalized and
compassionate care for all of our patients.
What are Clinical Trials?
Also called research studies, clinical trials are designed to assess
potential new treatment or prevention opportunities with the goal of better
outcomes. Clinical trials test the safety and efficiency of new or
transformed cancer drugs, doses, unique approaches to surgery or radiation
therapy, and diversified treatment combinations. The goal of a clinical
trial may be to cure more patients, to prolong the lives of more patients,
to prevent the spread or recurrence of cancer, or to achieve the same
outcome as previous therapies with fewer side effects.
Clinical trials are a significant component for enhancing the treatment of
medical conditions because they lead to exceeding standards of care. Every
current medical treatment was a clinical trial at one point. In fact,
current standard treatments for particular cancers may not be what is
optimal for you, so always discuss with your oncologist about what clinical
trial might be appropriate to consider for your specific cancer.
What are the Benefits of Clinical Trials?
Designed to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment interventions,
clinical trials have several benefits such as:

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Exceptional cancer care
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The possibility of benefiting from a new drug or treatment procedure
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The opportunity to help other patients and improve cancer treatment
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It has been proven that clinical trials have offered some of the most
effective cancer treatments currently available today.
What are the types of Clinical Trials?
Also known as "research protocols" clinical trials evaluate the
effectiveness of new interventions. The following are the various types of
cancer clinical trials:

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Prevention trials constructed to keep cancer from developing in
patients who have not previously had the disease
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Prevention trials designed to prevent a new type of cancer from
developing in those who have had cancer
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Early detection trials to discover cancer in its early stage
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Treatment trials to examine new therapies in people who have cancer
or to compare new, promising treatment to customary, established
treatment
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Quality-of-life studies to enhance comfort and quality of life for
people with cancer
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Studies to evaluate ways of altering cancer-causing behaviors such
as tobacco use
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Who Can Participate in Clinical Trials?
Trinitas Cancer Center has many clinical trials available for patients with
various types and stages of cancer. Any patient interested in participating
in one of these trials is carefully screened. In order to take part in the
study, the patient must have specific medical conditions as well as meet
particular standards to qualify for treatment in the protocol.
These standards, referred to as eligibility criteria, are for the patient's
safety. These criteria will ensure that the results of the study will be
useful when selecting treatments for other patients with similar diseases.
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