Cancer Clinical Trials – Myths Debunked
The most commonly used and trusted medical interventions in cancer care, like medications, cellular treatment, vaccines and even surgical procedures, were once part of clinical trials.
Clinical trials – also known as clinical research studies – have played an important role in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process for more than 50 years. Still, many misconceptions and misunderstandings still surround them, especially when it comes to cancer care.
Let’s debunk some of these myths.
MYTH: Clinical trials are only available for treatment.
FACT: Clinical trials are available across the spectrum of cancer care – from screening to diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers not only look for more effective ways to treat cancer, but also better ways to prevent and diagnose cancer and reduce side effects through clinical trials.
For example, at Avera Cancer Institute you’ll find a wide variety of clinical trials for:
- Cancer screening and diagnosis
- Cancer-related symptoms and side effects
- Compassionate use
- Cancer treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation, genomic and cellular therapy, immunotherapy and more
Avera is the only cancer center in South Dakota to offer trials for bone marrow transplant and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for breast cancer. Avera also leads in areas such as investigator-initiated genomic therapy trials that can be used for treatment of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer
- Metastatic solid tumors
In addition, observational studies, such as the Breast Cancer Collaborative Registry, aim to collect information for the development of future research and medical breakthroughs.
MYTH: When it comes to cancer treatment, clinical trials are offered only as a last alternative.
FACT: Clinical trials are available for treating all stages of cancer.
No matter what stage of cancer, clinical trials may offer more effective options for specific circumstances than the current standard of care provides. That’s why your Avera cancer care team will determine whether or not you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial from the onset. If so, it’ll be included as one of your treatment options.
“Clinical trials are very important,” said Luis Rojas, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Avera Cancer Institute in Sioux Falls. “The best way to describe their importance is to say that if I ever get cancer, I’ll participate in a clinical trial if I can.
Rojas said trials can lead to new treatment options for patients – options that are potentially better than standard therapy.
“They also provide the information needed to forward the field of cancer treatment,” he added. “The reason we’re more effective at treating cancer today is because of clinical trials that took place 10-20 years ago.”
MYTH: I might only receive a placebo if I enroll in a clinical trial.
FACT: If you enroll in a cancer treatment clinical trial, you’ll always receive at least the gold standard of care.
Any investigational drugs or placebos that are part of the study are added to the standard of care regimen – not as a replacement for the standard of care.
“Clinical trials continually add new investigational therapies to the standard of care," said Robin Lockhorst, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, Oncology Research Pharmacy/Administrative Manager. "The primary goal is to improve outcomes for our patients. Being part of a team that brings such innovative therapy options is rewarding, and credit goes to the Avera Cancer Institute providers and research staff, in addition to the clinic staff.”
Clinical Trials Create Hope for the Future
Like treatment of any kind, clinical trials offer hope, but not guarantees. Learning as much as you can about becoming a participant can help. One thing you can count on is your participation will benefit future patients and advance research.
“Our cancer research team is fully integrated into the daily work of the Avera Cancer Institute,” said Michaela Bertram, RN, BSN, CCRP, Clinical Cancer Research Manager. “Patients who participate in these trials have an additional team that coordinates their care while managing information that can contribute to the trials and research taking place.”
Bertram said that this can lead to direct patient benefits while also helping downstream patients who may find better outcomes due to the findings.
