Deciding whether to join a cancer clinical trial is a personal choice that’s best made with accurate information. Myths and misunderstandings about clinical trials — like they’re last-ditch efforts or they’re unsafe — may make the idea of participating more confusing or intimidating. These misconceptions contribute to low participation rates, even though clinical trials are essential for developing better and often lifesaving cancer treatments.
“With my patients, I explain that clinical trials often provide access to the latest advances in cancer care — including new drugs, new radiation approaches or new surgical techniques that aren’t yet widely available,” says Percy Lee, M.D., radiation oncologist and vice chair for clinical research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope® Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. “Clinical trials are carefully designed, science-driven and closely monitored. They are how we move cancer care forward and help shape the standard of care for tomorrow.”
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.
What Are Cancer Clinical Trials?
In January, the American Cancer Society released its annual report highlighting a major milestone in cancer survival: 7 in 10 people now survive their cancer five years or longer after diagnosis, up from just half in the mid-1970s.
“This stunning victory is largely the result of decades of cancer research that provided clinicians with the tools to treat the disease more effectively, turning many cancers from a death sentence into a chronic disease,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director for surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and the report’s lead author.
That progress is why clinical trials are essential today. Every cancer test and treatment used in modern care was first studied in a clinical trial, where researchers evaluate new drugs, procedures and care approaches in people to determine what’s safe and effective before it becomes part of standard care. They also evaluate new ways to screen for cancer, diagnose it early and improve quality of life for patients.
And yet, many people still have misunderstandings about cancer clinical trials. To help clear up common myths and confusion, we turned to Dr. Lee to explain what they are and how they work.
1. Do All Clinical Trials Have Placebos?
Many people worry that if they join a cancer clinical trial, they might get a placebo and receive no real treatment. In reality, placebos aren’t typically used in cancer treatment trials when an effective therapy already exists — patients are almost always given at least the standard of care, and any new treatment is compared against that.
Placebo-only groups are rare in cancer research and used only when there is no proven treatment to compare against. This helps ensure that participants aren’t denied effective care while still allowing researchers to learn valuable information.
2. Do Clinical Trials Cost Money?
Clinical trials test new treatments. You usually don’t pay for the experimental treatment or extra tests required by the study; the group running the trial (sponsor) often covers those costs. But it may vary, so always ask.
Insurance usually covers routine care costs — things you’d get in standard treatment — because the Affordable Care Act requires most plans to cover these costs for people in approved clinical trials.
Costs like travel, parking or lodging aren’t always covered, though some trials or institutions may help. Check with your insurance provider and the trial team before joining.
3. Is a Clinical Trial a Last Resort?
“Some people think that clinical trials are only for patients who have run out of standard treatment options or are nearing the end of life, but that isn’t true,” Dr. Lee says. “Clinical trials may be available at many points along a person’s cancer journey.”
Patients who are newly diagnosed, previously or currently receiving treatment or living with advanced disease may all be eligible, depending on the specific eligibility criteria of the study.
Every trial has rules based on things like cancer type, stage and overall health, to help ensure the study is safe and meaningful for participants.
4. Can You Leave a Clinical Trial?
Joining a clinical trial is always a voluntary choice. That means you decide whether to take part, and you can stop participating at any time — even after the study has begun.
“Your right to leave isn’t affected by the decision you make, and your care team is still there to support you and help with next steps if you decide to stop,” Dr. Lee explains.
Your research team and informed consent document will explain this before you join.
5. Can You Join a Clinical Trial That Isn’t at Your Treatment Facility?
If a clinical trial seems like a good fit for you, your oncologist may help coordinate care. Sometimes that means collaborating with doctors or research teams at other hospitals or cancer centers that are running the study.
“Many oncologists are familiar with trials beyond their own clinic and can help you explore options and next steps,” Dr. Lee says.
Another misconception is that clinical trials are only available in large cities or at major medical centers. That’s not true. While some research studies take place at big hospitals, many others are offered through community clinics, local cancer care networks and national research networks that bring trials into community settings. This allows people in small towns and rural areas better access to clinical trials closer to home.
6. Can You Stay on Your Treatment During a Clinical Trial?
Yes, you may continue your current cancer treatment while in a clinical trial, but it depends on the specific study. In a treatment trial, people with cancer are given either the investigational therapy or the best existing treatment so that researchers may compare results. This means you’re not left without care just because you’re in a study.
Importantly, trials are designed so that patients still receive appropriate therapy while researchers learn whether a new approach might work better or have fewer side effects.
7. Do Clinical Trials Test Unproven Treatments?
Clinical trials follow strict guidelines and safety rules to protect the people who take part. Before any new treatment is given to people, researchers conduct many years of laboratory and animal studies to learn as much as possible about how the treatment works and whether it might be safe. A government agency like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must review this early research and give permission before the treatment may be tested in humans.
“Once a treatment moves into human studies, it’s tested in a series of phases,” Dr. Lee explains. “Early phases look closely at safety and how the body handles the treatment. Later phases involve more people and compare the new treatment with current standard treatments to see which works better and is safest.”
Trials move from one phase to the next only if the results continue to support safety and promise.
All of this careful planning and phased testing helps make sure that new cancer treatments are studied responsibly and ethically before they are offered more widely.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.