Lung Cancer
Clinical Trials
Cancer treatments are not approved until a vast amount of research is done. This happens through clinical trials. Most of the advances made in treating all types of cancer today were, in fact, once a part of the clinical trials process. The most recent approvals include several new targeted therapy drugs and antibody-drug conjugates for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and new immunotherapy and bispecific antibodies for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This progress is enabling more people with lung cancer to live longer with the quality of life they desire.
Understanding Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test a new medical approach, such as new drugs and drug combinations, surgical procedures, types of radiation therapy and more, to see if it is more effective than the current standard of care treatment. These studies also look at non-treatment strategies, including disease prevention, patient screening, diagnostic tools and procedures, genetic risk factors and lifestyle/behavior changes, such as finding effective ways to stop tobacco use.
Although you may feel unsure about treating your cancer with a strategy that is still being researched, rest assured that every trial is designed with strict safety measures in place that are established and 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 they receive the most careful and safe medical care possible.
You will be informed throughout the process. Before starting a trial, you will be provided with detailed information about the study in an Informed Consent document. It contains the goal of the study, the treatment strategy being used, potential side effects, financial information and more. You are required to review this document and sign it before moving forward.
Finding the Right Trial
Because a trial may be your best option at any time during your care plan, it is important to discuss clinical trials as a treatment option with your doctor.
Should you choose to pursue a trial, let your doctor know. While your medical care team searches for one that may be a fit, you can look, too. A variety of trials are taking place in hospitals, treatment centers and medical offices all across the country, so searching can be time-consuming.
Ask your friends and family members for their help. Using one or more of the clinical trial resources on this page, begin your search. Have your cancer diagnosis and treatment information available. Though each search site varies in how it is presented, they generally include the same information.
Here's how to get started:
- Search by your specific lung 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 consider if any could be part of your treatment plan.
- Select a trial and contact the clinical trial team listed for more information. Ask lots of questions. This is the team that will be able to provide you with the most information.
- Discuss what you have learned about the trial with your doctor and your loved ones.
- Because every clinical trial has certain criteria you must meet to participate, you must undergo testing to see whether you are eligible.
- Thoroughly review the Informed Consent form. This is another chance to ask questions about anything that is unclear. Sign the form.
- Begin the clinical trial!
- Continue to be an active participant in your care. Keep your medical appointments, communicate with your medical team and do your best to stay emotionally and physically healthy.
- Remember, you are a volunteer. You may choose to stop the trial and return to the standard-of-care treatment at any time, and for any reason.
Why Clinical Trials Could be Right for You
You may wonder why you should consider a clinical trial, so it helps to know the very important role they play in lung cancer treatment and the potential benefits:
- Access to the latest treatments that may not otherwise be available
- An alternative therapy when other treatments have stopped working or have side effects that are unmanageable
- More people involved in your treatment plan, including personalized care by the trial team and continued care by your regular medical team
- A hopeful way to advance research, which could lead to new treatments that will improve cancer care in the future
- An opportunity to give back to the lung cancer community by providing empowerment and hope
