Liver Cancer
Clinical Trials
Researchers work tirelessly to find new and improved ways to treat — and one day cure — liver cancer through clinical trials. Along with offering potentially life-saving treatments, participation in clinical trials as a patient offers valuable research for the entire medical community in the fight against cancer. Take this opportunity to learn about clinical trials so you can make an informed decision about including one in your treatment plan.
Most of the advances made in treating all types of cancer today were once therapies or procedures in the clinical trials process. For liver disease, those advances most recently include treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that has spread beyond the liver. Clinical trials that explore more effective treatments for intermediate-stage HCC are currently underway.
Like all cancer treatments, those used in clinical trials are accompanied by some risks; however, protecting a patient’s safety is the number one priority. Every trial is designed with strict safety measures in place that were established and are enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These strict guidelines are followed to ensure that all participants are protected throughout the clinical trial process and that they receive the most careful and safe medical care possible. This is done through several levels of safeguards and a set of rules called a protocol.
Talk with your medical team about the option of clinical trials as soon as possible after receiving your diagnosis. The various types of clinical trials can be part of your treatment plan as well as help you enjoy a better quality of life while managing the symptoms and side effects of liver cancer. Along with focusing on treatments, these research studies explore non-treatment strategies, such as disease prevention, patient screening, diagnostic tools and procedures, genetic risk factors and lifestyle/behavioral changes. Many trials also incorporate measures to improve your overall health and wellness.
Doctors understand that people can experience the same disease differently because each patient is biologically and genetically unique. For that reason, clinical trials rely on the participation of a wide range of volunteers. It is vital that new medications are tested in clinical trials that reflect real-world populations to get a clear understanding of the drug’s safety and efficacy. For everyone to get the most benefit from cancer research, volunteers of all ages, genders, locations, races and ethnicities, weights, sexual orientations and socioeconomic groups are needed.
10 Steps to Finding a Clinical Trial
While your medical team searches for clinical trials, you can look, too. Ask your friends and family members for their help. Using one or more of the clinical trial resources on this page, begin your search. Though each search site varies in how it is set up, they generally require the same information:
- Gather your cancer diagnosis and treatment information.
- Search by your specific liver cancer diagnosis.
- Enter your age, preferred location, distance you will travel, etc., to narrow your search.
- You will see a list of clinical trials. Review it and print the protocols for those you think may be a good fit.
- Select a trial, and contact the clinical trial team listed for more information. Ask lots of questions, including those about side effects, how long the trial will last, financial responsibilities and more.
- Discuss what you’ve learned about the trial with your doctor.
- Undergo testing to see whether you are eligible. Every clinical trial has certain criteria you must meet to participate.
- Talk it over with your loved ones. Thoroughly review and then sign the Informed Consent form.
- Begin the clinical trial!
- Continue to be an active participant in your care by keeping medical appointments, communicating with your medical team and doing your best to stay emotionally and physically healthy.
Clinical Trial Resources
- Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association: www.bluefaery.org/clinical-trials
- Cancer Support Community: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/find-clinical-trial, 888-793-9355
- Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation: www.searchclinicaltrials.org
- ClinicalTrials.gov: www.clinicaltrials.gov
- Lazarex Cancer Foundation: www.lazarex.org, 877-866-9523
- National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials
- NCI Cancer Information Service: 800-422-6237
- WCG CenterWatch: www.centerwatch.com, 888-838-5578
