A clinical trial is a research study investigating a
new treatment protocol. This may involve a new drug or combination
of drugs, a new procedure, or new doses or combinations of drugs
that have already been approved but used in different
ways. Often people see clinical trials as options only as a
last resort, or after they have tried everything else. It is
important to look at what clinical trials you may be eligible for
at every step in the process, from diagnosis on. Especially as
tumor testing for mutations becomes more common, you may want to
know about a clinical trial even before you receive a biopsy. Some
trials may involved treatments that would be given before
surgery, or right after surgery. Some require
that the person has not been through any other
treatments, while others require previous use of
a platinum-based therapy. In order to make sure you have all
the information on every option available to you, find out about
clinical trials as early as you can, even if you don't plan to
enroll in one.
There are many websites that provide clinical trial
information. Sometimes they can be difficult to navigate. LCA works
with Emerging Med to provide the Lung Cancer Clinical Trials
Matching Service. By calling 1-800-698-0931, you can speak directly
to a Clinical Trials Specialist who can do the research
for you. The specialist can create a profile, search for trials,
and send you a list of trials you or your loved one may be eligible
for.
