Clinical Trials Explained: Phases, Risks, and Who Should Consider Them

Clinical trials may sound scary at first, but they help improve cancer treatment. They give patients access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Understanding how clinical trials work helps doctors make safer and more confident treatment decisions.

Understanding the phases of a clinical trial

Clinical trial phases are designed in a way that ensures the treatment’s safety and effectiveness before it becomes standard care.

Potential risks and uncertainties 

Clinical trials are closely monitored, but patients should understand the possible changes and risks involved. New treatments may cause unknown side effects that can change from person to person. There is also a risk of uncertainty, as the therapy and its outcomes are still being studied.  However, trials do follow a strict safety protocol, where patients have the freedom to withdraw at any time to ensure their well-being remains the top priority.

What are the potential benefits of participating in clinical trials?

Clinical trials aren’t just helpful in advancing medical care, but also offer significant benefits for the patients participating.

• Access to new treatments: Patients may access new therapies that are not widely available in the market yet.
• Close monitoring: Participating patients are kept under supervised medical observation to ensure safety.
• Alternative options: These trials also offer various options when standard treatments become ineffective.
• Contribution to future care: Active participation of the patients helps improve treatment for the future.

Identifying eligibility for clinical trials

Clinical trials may offer potential benefits and new advancements, but they follow certain criteria. These trials are ineffective for patients whose standard treatments were ineffective. The eligibility also depends on factors like specific biomarkers, cancer stage, genetic profiles, or treatment history. Some patients opt for trials when conventional therapies are limited, while others are guided by their doctors based on how good an approach is. However, participating in the trial is a personal decision and should be taken only after consulting your oncologist.

Making the right choice

Deciding whether to join a trial is a personal choice and must be made with clarity and confidence. When patients understand risks and benefits, they are likely to make the right decision, which is supported by their health team and not under any pressure.