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About Lung Cancer

Understanding Clinical Trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research program conducted with patients to determine if an investigational treatment, drug, or device is a better line of defense than the current “best standard of care.” Clinical trials are taking place all over the world — evaluating the success of promising new treatments for lung cancer that are awaiting formal approval by the government. These research trials typically involve medications or strategies that have already been shown in earlier research to have promise. There are many different kinds of clinical research trials.

Clinical trials can include studies that:

  • Evaluate which dose of a new medication is best
  • Investigate whether an approved drug can or should be used in combination with other treatments
  • Evaluate treatment for use in patients who haven’t had any treatment yet
  • Evaluate treatment for use in patients who have failed prior treatment(s)

Clinical trials offer many potential benefits to an individual patient:

  • You may get a new treatment for your specific lung cancer before it is available to everyone.
  • Clinical trials allow you to play a more active role in your own health care.
  • Clinical Trial providers may provide you with medical care and more frequent health check-ups as part of your treatment.
  • You might be “paying it forward.” Helping others get better treatment for their health problems in the future.

Questions about clinical trials

Patients are carefully selected through a detailed application process to make sure they are the best candidates to be a part of any clinical trial. If you are deemed a candidate for a clinical trial, you will be given medication, however, you will not know if you are receiving the “best standard of care” or the new medication. This determination is made depending upon what phase the new medication is in.

The trial sponsor will cover the cost of care over and above the standard of care. Once selected to participate, patients receive the treatment and their health and are monitored very closely for side effects by research doctors. The patient’s response to treatment is also closely monitored with regular testing.

You may receive a new treatment that might become a best option for you. There may be additional expenses that might not be covered by the trial sponsor, so please carefully read the Informed Consent Agreement. Discuss any concerns with a trial coordinator prior to making your decision. Any patient considering involvement in a clinical trial should also discuss it with their oncologist who can help them determine which studies might be best for them.

Most people find out about clinical trials from their doctors. Many times the doctor brings up the subject of a clinical trial with the patient, but, you don’t have to wait for your doctor to begin the discussion. Thoracic oncologists are well versed in the latest research and experimental treatments. Let your doctor know that you are interested in being part of a clinical trial.

  • In some ways, going into a clinical trial insures you’re going to get the best possible cancer care.

    Janet Freeman-Daily, Lung Cancer Patient/Advocate

  • We are in about the most exciting age in lung cancer. It’s an age of rapid fire discovery. Every six months there is a new drug, just about. A new biomarker or a new drug. The best treatment is a clinical trial. What’s the purpose of research? I say, it’s the opportunity to give tomorrow’s treatment today. Especially when you’re in an age of rapid fire discovery.

    Dr. Osarogiagbon, LCFA's Scientific Advisory Board

    Learn more about lung cancer clinical trials

    Clinical trial resources

    • Match to clinical trials in 60 seconds

      Search for a Clinical Trial with Antidote Match™

      Antidote Match™ connects people with medical research studies, in the fastest and easiest way possible. All you need to do is answer a few questions, and they will find the right trials for you. You gain access to the latest medical developments and world-class care

    • Lists up-to-date information

      Search for a clinical trial at ClinicalTrials.gov

      ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world.