Finding Information. Clinical Trials.A clinical trial is a research study that tests the effectiveness of a new treatment. Participation in clinical trials can be a useful option for many people, but it depends on their specific situations.Clinical trials generally have three phases. Each phase represents a progression of the study. The trial is often run with specific branches of the National Institutes of Health (for example, the National Cancer Institute). The results of clinical trials are used to determine new treatment advances. In order for a new treatment to be offered, a clinical trial must first prove that the therapy is at least as effective as the current standard course of treatment. This means that many people participating in clinical trials have an opportunity to access treatments that are not yet available to the general public. It is important to remember that about half of the people in clinical trials will receive “standard treatment.” Find clinical trials You can search for clinical trials on different Web sites. A few include:
The information on these sites may help you determine if you are qualified to be in a clinical trial. They also give contact information for the doctors and/or hospitals participating in the trial. When you gather information about clinical trials online, you should always discuss with your doctor whether or not they are right for you. Clinical trials are not right for everyone. Your doctor can help you make your decision. Searching for clinical trials is also a useful way to find doctors who are researching in a specific field or disease. Even if you are not eligible for a trial, this may help you find doctors with whom you can discuss emerging treatment options.
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