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Clinical trials
Clinical trials test promising new treatments to see if they are better than existing standard treatments. There are not clinical trials for all types of cancer, and not all cancer patients are eligible to take part in them. They can also occur at different phases of a treatment’s development.
There are different types of trials.
 Testing new treatments — a drug, radiotherapy, surgery or other procedure not yet in general use is compared with the current best treatment. Testing new combinations of treatments. Testing supportive care programs (eg cancer support groups or relaxation therapy) to help with the emotional effects of cancer. Testing a drug in people at high risk of cancer to see if it prevents the disease developing. Australian clinical trials have to be approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee before they can begin. They make sure trials are run only if they are needed and are run in an ethical and scientific way.
Why would I join a clinical trial?
You may decide to join a clinical trial because: The treatment you receive will be at least the best currently available for your illness. Your health may improve because of the treatment you receive. You may receive a treatment you would not otherwise have access to. The treatment team running the trial will monitor your health regularly. You will be a part of the worldwide effort to improve cancer treatment. Are there any risks?
There can be some disadvantages. Once you enrol in a trial, you can’t choose the treatment you are given – you are allocated treatment. The treatment might not work for you, or be a suitable dose for you. You might get side effects from the treatment. There might be a lot of time taken up seeing the researchers. You need to weigh up the risks and benefits for you. Ask your doctor and the researchers as many questions as you can.
How do I join?
Your doctor may suggest you join a trial, if a suitable new treatment is being tested when you and your doctor are deciding your treatment. Or you may like to ask your doctor about clinical trials for your illness. Clinical trials in South Australia
Many South Australian cancer specialists contribute to State-based, national and international clinical trials. All the main hospitals/institutions and some community and private hospitals are involved in clinical trials. Find out more
Read Clinical trials information for people having cancer treatment
Find out more about clinical trials and how they work
ABC Health &Wellbeing Consumer Guide – clinical trials NHMRC Resource pack for consumer and community participation in health and medical research – see clinical trials chapter
Medline Plus –Clinical trials interactive tutorial - click on interactive tutorials and select clinical trials
In Australia
Australian Clinical Trials Registry is a national online register of clinical trials being undertaken in Australia Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group Virtual Cancer Centre - use search facility and search in trials
International clinical trial registers
Cancerbackup UK – trials information and UK trials register
National Cancer Institute (USA) – clinical trials information and US trials register
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