How do I find a clinical trial?
Say YES to Hope offers a fabulous, free clinical trial matching program called TrialMagic. Our program is simple to use and gives a comprehensive overview of the trials that might work for each particular diagnosis. For those interested in participating in a clinical trial, search now to find eligible trials for you based on your location, cancer type, and health history. Click below to find a match for you:
Why do clinical trials exist?
A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process. Studies are done with people who volunteer to find out whether promising approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are safe and effective.
Are all clinical trials the same?
No, there are different types of clinical trials.
Treatment Trials test new treatments (like a new cancer drug, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods such as gene therapy).
Prevention Trials test new approaches, such as medicines, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements that doctors believe may lower the risk of a certain type of cancer. These trials look for the best way to prevent cancer in people who have never had cancer or to prevent cancer from coming back or a new cancer occurring in people who have already had cancer.
Screening Trials test the best way to find cancer, especially in its early stages.
Quality of Life Trials (also called Supportive Care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients.
Benefits and Risks of Clinical Trials
You may be asking “How do I benefit from taking part in a clinical trial”? In a clinical trial you receive the most up-to-date treatment. Just as you benefit from what has been learned from past clinical trials, others with cancer in the future will be helped by what is learned from clinical trials today.
The new treatments may have different or more serious side effects than those known with the best current treatment.
You may spend more time at the clinic or hospital getting treatment or tests.
The new treatment may not work for your disease. Do I have to be on a clinical trial?
You may choose not to enter a clinical trial. You may also choose to withdraw from a trial at any time. Your choice will not affect how the health care team feels about you. You will continue to receive the best possible care.
Key Point: If you decide not to enroll in a clinical trial, you will receive the standard treatment. Standard treatment is the best-known treatment at the time, for your particular circumstances but it is important to seek a multidisciplinary approach to care at all times.
ACTION Kit: Our clinical trials information kit is provided free to advanced cancer patients and shares detailed information about clinical trials, a notebook for data collection, side effect monitoring, appointment upkeep, and a collection of stories by those who have participated in clinical trials in the past. To receive your free kit please send a short email requesting an ACTION Kit with your name and address to slindley@sayyestohope.org.