Demystifying Clinical Trials: A Comprehensive Guide to The Science of Hope
Jan 25, 2024
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Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon demystify clinical trials by discussing patient experiences, trial phases, and misconceptions. They highlight the importance of trials in cancer treatment, success stories, enrollment processes, navigating placebos, and result disclosure delays.
Clinical trials offer new hope with high response rates in controlling cancer.
Patients should evaluate benefits and risks of clinical trials with their doctors before joining.
Deep dives
Overview of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are programs that give individuals access to treatments that are not yet approved for their specific cancer type. These trials can involve new drugs designed for a particular cancer type or approved drugs being tested for different types of cancer. Clinical trials can include single or combination drug treatments. The success rate of clinical trials has significantly increased due to advancements in science and the development of new drugs. Some trials have shown response rates in up to 80% of patients, offering a higher likelihood of controlling cancer than standard treatments.
Phases of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are conducted in different phases. Phase 1 trials focus on determining the best dosage of a new treatment and ensure its safety. Phase 2 trials evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment in a smaller group of patients, while phase 3 trials involve larger patient groups to further test the treatment's efficacy. Traditionally, these phases took years, but recent strategies aim to shorten the timeline by combining phase 1 and 2 trials. The perception of phase 1 trials has evolved, as they were initially seen as solely focused on dose finding, but they can also show positive responses in patients. Phase 1 trials may require frequent visits, extensive blood tests, and thorough monitoring to ensure patient safety.
Considerations for Clinical Trial Participation
Participating in clinical trials can have benefits and drawbacks. Patients need to discuss the trial with their doctors to weigh the potential benefits against potential risks. Some trials have excellent response rates and can greatly improve patients' quality of life, while others may involve placebos or intensive monitoring. Patients should also explore advocacy groups specific to their cancer type, as they can provide information about available trials. Traveling for trials may be an option if the trial offers a higher chance of success. The decision to participate is ultimately up to the patient, who can withdraw from the trial at any time.
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon, Chief of MSK's Early Drug Development Service, answer the most common questions about participating in clinical trials. Through hearing the experience of patients, they discuss the practical aspects as well as the fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. They explain their rigorous development, different phases, and potential to save patients’ lives now and in the future.
MSK is proud to support the key initiatives of the National Cancer Plan by helping to develop effective treatments and end cancer as we know it. Click here to learn more about the National Cancer Plan.