Types of Clinical Trials
There are several types of cancer clinical trials, each type of trial is designed to solve different research questions and help researchers provide the best care for each individual patient.
Prevention trials
Prevention trials test new approaches such as medications, vitamins, or other supplements that doctors believe may lower the risk of developing a certain type of cancer. Most prevention trials are conducted with healthy people who have not had cancer. Some trials are conducted with people who have had cancer and want to prevent recurrence (return of cancer) or who want to reduce the chance of developing a new type of cancer.
Screening trials
Screening trials study ways to detect cancer earlier. They are often conducted to determine whether finding cancer before it causes symptoms decreases the chance of dying from the disease. These trials involve people who do not have any symptoms of cancer. Diagnostic Trials study tests or procedures that could be used to identify cancer more accurately. Diagnostic trials usually include people who have signs or symptoms of cancer.
Diagnostic trials
Diagnostic trials study tests or procedures that could be used to identify cancer more accurately. Diagnostic trials usually include people who have signs or symptoms of cancer.
Treatment trials
Treatment trials are conducted with people who have cancer. They are designed to answer specific questions about, and evaluate the effectiveness of, a new treatment or a new way of using a standard treatment. These trials test many types of treatments such as new drugs, vaccines, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, or new combinations of treatments.
Quality-of-life trials
Quality-of-life (also called Supportive Care or Palliative Care) Trials explore ways to improve the comfort and quality of life of cancer patients and cancer survivors. These trials may study ways to help people who are experiencing nausea, vomiting, sleep disorders, depression, or other effects from cancer or its treatment.
