Do clinical trials help?

I'm so pleased that your husband benefitted from the trial. However, that is not always the case. Usually, clinical trials using cancer drugs offer the standard or existing treatment as an alternative to the new medicine or therapy. So at least the patient gets some kind of treatment. But some trials require "placebo testing" which means the patient either gets the investigational drug or nothing. Be sure you ask, "will I get an alternative to the investigational drug? What is it? What are the known side-effects?"

Remember, you don't have to stay on the trial drugs if you feel it is not worth it to you. But, if on these drugs, much of your medical bill is paid for by the drug company. Which adds up to HUGE amounts. As far as a placebo, you will know in a few months as there are usually side affects that confirm you are on the real drugs. You can always opt out and look for another source if treatment. But please look for ones that science has shown to work. I am not one to believe in berry juice to cure me, as those I know that went that route are no longer here to tell me about the choice they made. One thing is very certain. Someone will be the first cured of this and someone will be the last to fall victim. But, doing nothing is going to give your exactly what you put into it, nothing.

I can only tell you about mu experience. I am in a Clinical Trial and have been for about 11 months. I had done the Chemo and Radiation and Surgery for my cancer in 2008. Everything looked good for a year and then it came back in my lungs. We did several Chemo treatments and it would get good results but it only lasted for 3 months and it would be back again. We changed to different Chemos that are used for my esophageal Cancer. After doing the gamit of chemos for this cancer the spots on my lungs were still growing. My Oncologist also said we should start looking for a clinical trial that I would qualify for. He found the one I am in and I have had good results. Mine is a dose escalation study for a new drug that is called INK 128. I am one of the first in this study and I feel blessed to be in it. You generaly get better care when in a study because they are trying to track everything that is happening to you for the study. You do need to be aware that there are different kind of Study's Phase 1-3 and not everyone gets the same dose or medication depending on the study. Just make sure you understand what the study before signing up. Studies are a good way for drug compaines to see what is effective against this terrible dissie.

Thank you for sharing this information with me.  I wish you the very best in your fight!

I did trials as a stage 4 Metistac, that was 15 years ago.   Still no traces found. I believe that is why I'm still here.  Oh, first cancer was 38 years ago.

Yes, actually they recommend a clinical trial if convential treatment is not helping anymore.

I just finished a clinical trial for a leukemia (LAM) (succesfully)

br

william  

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How did you decide whether or not to participate?  Our trial question comes during the maintenance phase.  (We still have a few months before we get there.)