Often I am asked about clinical trial options at our site or perhaps at other institutions. It is important for patients and families that they consider clinical trials at any point in their treatment journey. For most medical oncologist, it is preferred to consider a trial option if one is available to them and the patient is eligible. The goals of most interventional clinical trials to improve disease control and overall survival! Clinical trials allow the advancement of newer treatments that not only may help the patient but also all future patients who may have to deal with the same disease. I also included a list of ongoing active oncology trials at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute! Hope this helps!
With a spirit of hope and determination, it is the medical oncologist’s mission to find the most suitable clinical trials, navigating the complex world of cutting-edge medical research. In this blog, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to search for clinical trials near you, empowering you to make informed decisions about your treatment options.
- Open your web browser: Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and navigate to the ClinicalTrials.gov website by typing “https://www.clinicaltrials.gov” in the address bar.
- Locate the search bar: On the homepage, you’ll find a search bar in the center of the screen. This is where you’ll start your search for clinical trials related to your specific disease type.
- Enter search terms: In the search bar, type in keywords related to the specific cancer type you or your loved one is battling (e.g., “metastatic melanoma” or “lung cancer”). You can also include other relevant terms, such as “immunotherapy” or “targeted therapy,” to narrow your search further.
- Begin your search: Click the “Search” button or press the “Enter” key on your keyboard to view a list of clinical trials matching your search criteria.
- Filter search results: To further refine your search, use the filters on the left side of the screen. You can narrow down the results by selecting specific locations, trial phases, study types, or intervention types. This will help you find trials that are more relevant to your needs.
- Review trial listings: Browse through the list of clinical trials to find those that seem most appropriate for your specific cancer type and treatment needs. Click on the title of each trial to view more details, including the trial’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and contact information.
- Evaluate eligibility criteria: Read the eligibility criteria carefully to determine if you or your loved one qualifies for the trial. Factors such as age, disease stage, and prior treatments can affect eligibility.
- Save and compare trials: If you find a trial that seems like a good fit, save the information by clicking the “Save this study” button or bookmarking the page. This will help you compare different trials and discuss them with your healthcare team.
- Contact the trial site: If you’ve identified a trial that seems suitable, reach out to the listed contact person for more information. They can provide additional details and guide you through the process of enrolling in the trial.
- Discuss with your healthcare team: Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about participating in a clinical trial. They can offer valuable insights and help you determine if a particular trial is a good fit for your specific needs and treatment goals.
Remember, ClinicalTrials.gov is a valuable resource for finding potential clinical trials, but it’s crucial to discuss your options with your healthcare team before making any decisions. You may have several options to consider and in these situations it is always best to consider the pros, cons, logistics and perhaps best sequence of the trials to maximize your overall exposure to all available options. I always say it is best to know your “Plan B or C option” in case Plan A does not work out! In addition, your medical oncologist can also answer the question of “best trial” for you if perhaps they themselves or their families were in the patient’s shoes. They can help you navigate the complex world of clinical trials and determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
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.