Clinical trials are intended to test new methods of diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention. Some clinical trials compare new treatments against existing or standard treatments. By participating in clinical trials, many people receive cutting-edge treatment before it’s approved to hit the market and become available to the public.
However, many people may not be aware of the potential benefits they could receive through participating in clinical trials, and some may be hesitant to enroll. They may worry it’s not safe, too expensive, or won’t help them.
A lot of misconceptions about clinical trials are floating around. To make a confident decision, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here are some common myths about cancer clinical trials and the real story.
1. Myth: You may only get a placebo or sugar pill
Placebos are sometimes used in clinical trials to prevent bias from tainting the results. However, that’s usually the case in a later phase trial. Phase 1 and 2 trials typically do not use placebos, according to the American Cancer Society.
However, if you are participating in a cancer clinical trial that does use placebos, the research team will not share if you receive one. It’s important to keep in mind that you will still get the standard treatment for your cancer alongside the placebo. You will not only receive a placebo.
2. Myth: Patients only receive placebos
Clinical trials are designed to test new treatments and gather data. There would not be any point in having a clinical trial if all the participants only received a placebo.
That said, each trial is designed to provide new information, so it is possible that you may receive a placebo while participating.
3. Myth: Clinical trials are unsafe because they test new treatments
If you’re worried that it’s not safe to participate in a clinical trial, consider this information first.
As the Leukemia Research Foundation suggests, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows clinical trials with humans to proceed after extensive preclinical research.
The researchers have to submit a detailed application called an Investigational New Drug Application with extensive data for review in order to begin clinical research.
The researchers will also carefully monitor you and other participants for side effects and any other potential concerns.
4. Myth: Clinical trials are a ‘last resort,’ or you must have a terminal illness
Clinical trials are available for nearly countless types of diseases and treatments. Each trial has its own eligibility requirements. Some researchers even recruit people without medical conditions for a control group to uncover new knowledge.
5. Myth: Participants are treated as ‘guinea pigs’
By the time a drug or treatment makes it to a clinical trial, it’s already been extensively tested and reviewed.
In fact, to even make it to the clinical trial stage, a treatment has to show that it can potentially provide better patient outcomes.
You may directly benefit from taking this new treatment, and you will be carefully monitored during your participation.
6. Myth: Clinical trials involve additional financial costs
Participating in a clinical trial is free. The sponsor is responsible for paying for the drug or treatment and research-related costs.
However, you may need to pay indirect costs, such as transportation to the research venue if you have to travel.
If you continue to receive standard cancer care during the trial, the bill will go to your insurance company. If your insurance company requires copays or other costs, you will still need to pay for those.
7. Myth: People must give up their current treatment to participate
Not necessarily. This depends on the specific clinical trial. Some clinical trials may add another treatment to whatever you’re already taking or receiving. Others may switch you to a different treatment.
8. Myth: You can only join a clinical trial if you have tried all available treatment options
You don’t have to try everything else first. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests that you investigate all your possible treatment options, including clinical trials.
You may not be eligible for some clinical trials based on your diagnosis or other treatments you may have tried.
Clinical trials can be an excellent way to get access to new treatments while helping advance the research about your disease and the most effective treatments for it.
If you have any questions about participating, talk with your oncology team. They can answer your questions and even help you find a trial that’s appropriate for you.