When it comes to ovarian cancer treatment, every woman’s path will be different. As science and technology advance, existing treatments become more effective, and new ones emerge. Clinical trials pave the way for innovative standards of care and more therapy options, ensuring more women can take a stand against ovarian cancer.
What Is a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials are research studies designed to evaluate the effects of new tests and treatments on human health and disease. The goal of clinical trials is to enhance health outcomes, address scientific questions, and discover improved ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases such as cancer. For many women facing ovarian cancer, these trials offer not only hope but also the possibility of accessing cutting-edge therapies not yet available outside the trial setting.
Navigating the Phases: From Exploration to Confirmation
All clinical trials are carefully designed, reviewed, approved and monitored before they can begin. Clinical trials progress through four phases, each serving a unique purpose and contributing to developing reliable information while safeguarding patient well-being. The Food and Drug Administration or the FDA is involved at all stages of clinical trials and approves or denies the new treatment at the completion of the trials.
- Phase I: Small groups (20-80) test a new treatment’s safety, dosage, and side effects.
- Phase II: A larger group (100-300) assesses treatment effectiveness and safety, often exploring new drug combinations.
- Phase III: Large groups (1,000-3,000) confirm efficacy, monitor side effects, and compare with standard treatments. Randomization may occur, dividing patients into standard and unspecified groups.
- Phase IV: Focuses on long-term effectiveness and side effects post-FDA approval.
Myths and Misconceptions
Because they’re often so new, it’s understandable that patients would be skeptical about clinical trials. Let’s address two common concerns:
Will my insurance cover clinical trials?
It depends. Some states have passed laws or made agreements that require health plans to cover costs for routine medical care during a clinical trial. Check with your provider for details. If it’s not covered, explore your financial assistance options.
Types of Trials
Understanding the types of clinical trials may help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
Treatment Trials
Evaluate new treatments or innovative use of existing ones. Combinations of different treatment types may also be tested. They can include new medicines or combinations of current drugs, surgeries, or radiation therapies. Treatment trials also test out vaccines and other therapies that can help your immune system fight cancer.
Screening Trials
Focus on new ways to detect cancer early.
Quality-of-Life Trials
Enhance health and comfort for cancer patients.
Questions to Ask: Navigating the Decision-Making Process
Consider these questions with your doctor if you’re still on the fence about clinical trials.
- Is a clinical trial suitable for me?
- Why is the study being conducted?
- Who is running the trial?
- What are the potential advantages and risks?
- Will my insurance cover the costs?
- How long will the study last?
- Will I have to get a new doctor?
- What is informed consent, and are my rights as a patient protected?
Finding the Right Clinical Trial
Work with your cancer care team to find a clinical trial that makes sense for you. You can also do some research and sourcing on your own:
Online resources: Explore databases like ClinicalTrials.gov for updated listings.
Clinical trial navigation services: Use services like EmergingMed.com or CenterWatch.com to help find a clinical trial that matches your needs and goals.
These studies need people to participate in order to move ovarian cancer treatment into the future. Choosing to take part in an ovarian cancer clinical trial is a big decision that can change your life and the lives of everyone who will later benefit from your decision to take the leap.
