Cancer can be a scary thing, but did you know that there is a way for you to take part in the fight against cancer? It’s called participating in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases. If you or a loved one has cancer, participating in a clinical trial can have many benefits. Here are just a few of them:
Access to new and innovative treatments
Participating in a clinical trial is like getting a sneak peek at the latest technology before it’s available to the general public. Just like how you might be one of the first people to see a new iPhone before it’s released, clinical trials give you the opportunity to try out new treatments that are not yet widely available. I have seen many patients dealing with metastatic melanoma progressed through the standard lines of treatment with immunotherapy and targeted therapy, then to get on a new treatment with for example cellular therapy or intratumoral therapy and achieve a complete response or long term remission. One of the first patients I enrolled into a clinical trial using cellular therapy actually told me she would rather have “hospice care” knowing that there was nothing else that can be done. She was an educated lady and with a bit time discussing the advantages and theoretical approach to this one time therapy approach, here she is today nearly 6 years out from the treatment in complete remission. This is how new therapies are developed and brought to standard practice. Not only helping you but also helping everyone else!
Close monitoring and care
Think of a clinical trial like a VIP pass to a concert. Just like how a VIP pass gets you special access and perks, participating in a clinical trial gets you close monitoring and care from doctors and other medical professionals. They’ll be keeping a close eye on you to make sure you’re doing well and to catch any problems early. I have a team of staff members that include clinical trial coordinators, data managers, medical assistants, extenders, trial pharmacists, regulatory coordinators to many other specialists that may be involved in the treatment depending on the protocol. It really takes a village to treat and care for patients, more so when you are participating in a clinical trial.
Contribution to medical research
Have you ever heard the saying, “Many hands make light work”? Well, when it comes to cancer research, many people participating in clinical trials make progress possible. By participating in a clinical trial, you’re helping to advance medical research and improve treatments for future cancer patients. It’s like you are a superhero, using your powers to help others. And you are part of a team of superheroes as these studies are broadly done across the US or globally. We need this brave team to help improve the outcomes for all future patients diagnosed with the same condition. These patients understand the risks, benefits, pros, cons, coordination, and alternative options which in many cases may not be much out there in the refractory settings.
Potential for improved outcomes
Imagine you are playing a game and you are given a choice between two different strategies. One strategy has a 50% chance of winning, while the other has a 70% chance. Which one would you choose? Clinical trials are like that game – they are designed to test the effectiveness of new treatments, and patients who participate may experience better outcomes than those who do not. By participating in a clinical trial, you are potentially giving yourself a better chance at winning the game. One caveat here is that while we all hope the newer treatments may help improve outcomes, it is also possible that experimental therapies may not improve outcomes or even possibly cause harm with either excessive toxicities or detrimental effectiveness. Greater risk can go both ways with either greater reward or possible loss. It would be important to discuss all treatment options with your oncologist.
No cost for treatment
Participating in a clinical trial is like getting a free ride on a roller coaster. With clinical trials, many of the costs of treatments, tests, and other medical expenses are covered, so you do not have to worry about the financial burden. Speaking of free rides, yes transportation can also be covered with reimbursement in mileage or flat amount for each visit. It is particularly important to discuss with your oncologist and research team what exactly is covered by the trial and what exactly will be billed to your insurance. Briefly, it is likely that your usual scans, labs, visits that normally would have been done outside of the trial will likely be billed to your insurance company.
Personalized medicine
Imagine a tailor who makes clothes that fit you perfectly. That is what personalized medicine is like. Clinical trials can help identify which treatments are best for certain subpopulations of patients and for certain types of cancer. By participating in a clinical trial, you are helping doctors find the treatment that’s just right for you. Many of the current oncology trials are focusing on a niche subset of patients. For example, instead of looking at all melanoma or colon cancers for a trial, the current protocol may enroll specifically patients with BRAF mutated melanoma or colon cancers.
Support
Cancer can be hard, not just for you, but for your whole family. But, did you know that many clinical trials provide emotional and educational support for patients and their families? It’s like having a team of cheerleaders cheering you on and helping you through tough times.
Participating in a clinical trial can be a brave and exciting new way to help the fight against cancer. It gives you access potentially to new and innovative treatments, close monitoring, helps advance medical research, may improve outcomes, covers cost of treatment, personalized medicine, and provides support. It may not be the only option, but it is a valuable one to consider with your oncologist and your family.
About the author
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. Currently practicing at the renowned Orlando Health Cancer Institute, he brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.