Small Cell Lung Cancer
Clinical trials
Because small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is aggressive and can progress rapidly, the inclusion of a clinical trial in your care plan may make a significant difference in your life. Clinical trials may be designed for early detection or to improve therapy. At any time during diagnosis and treatment, these research studies may offer more options for people with SCLC. Before making treatment decisions, it is important to learn what clinical trials are and how they may help.
Clinical trials are research studies conducted by a specialized team that is focused on finding cancer early or finding new and improved ways to treat cancer. There are different types of clinical trials with different goals that explore treatment and non-treatment strategies, such as disease prevention, patient screening, diagnostic tools and procedures, and others look at genetic risk factors and lifestyle/behavioral changes. Not all trials are treatment trials.
If you choose to learn more, keep in mind that your participation would not only contribute to the future of cancer care, it may offer access to treatments that would not be available otherwise. Also, it is good to know that doctors understand that people can experience the same disease differently because each patient is biologically and genetically unique. It is vital that new medications are tested in clinical trials in which participants reflect real-world populations to get a clear understanding of the drugs’ safety and efficacy. Volunteers of all ages, genders, locations, races and ethnicities, weights, sexual orientations and socioeconomic groups are needed.
Get the Facts
Although most of the advances made in treating all types of cancer today were once therapies or procedures that were developed, tested and evaluated through the clinical trials process to gain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many people do not know much about them. And, what they do know is not always accurate. Read on to learn the truth behind some of the most common myths about clinical trials.
MYTH: Clinical trials are a last-ditch effort.
FACT: Although this is a very common belief, it is not true. Depending on your diagnosis, a clinical trial may be an option right after diagnosis or at another time in the future. It may be your best option when your diagnosis has few or no approved therapies or if your cancer has become resistant to your current therapy.
MYTH: It is too risky to try a clinical trial instead of a proven treatment.
FACT: Like all approved cancer treatments, the therapies used in clinical trials come with risks. But it is important to know that clinical trials are designed with strict safety measures in place that were established and are enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Though many trials are focused on developing new treatments, the majority of cancer clinical trials include therapies that are already approved, sometimes alone and sometimes in combination with new therapies.
MYTH: Quitting a clinical trial is not possible.
FACT: Once you sign the Informed Consent form and begin the trial, you are not locked in. You may leave the trial at any time and for any reason.
Taking the Next Step
Let your doctor know that you are open to clinical trials. While your health care team is looking for some that may fit into your treatment plan, you can search online, too. To get started, use the resources on this page and do the following:
- Gather your cancer diagnosis and treatment information.
- Search by your small cell lung cancer diagnosis.
- Enter your age, preferred location, distance you will travel, etc., to narrow your search
- Review the list of trials. If you find one, contact the clinical trial team listed for more information.
- Discuss what you've learned with your health care team and your loved ones.
When you and your doctor determine a specific trial is an option, move forward with testing to see whether you are eligible. Every clinical trial has certain criteria you must meet to participate. If you meet the criteria, thoroughly review the provided Informed Consent document. It explains the purpose of the trial and lists all the specifics, from therapies being used and expected side effects to the number of appointments and financial responsibilities.
If you have questions, reach out to the clinical trial team who will be responsible for monitoring your care while you are part of the trial. It is crucial that you are comfortable moving forward.
Smoking cessation clinical trials for your loved ones
If your friends or family smoke or use tobacco products, your experience may encourage them to think about stopping. Habits involving nicotine can be hard to break — especially on their own. The most successful approach combines medications, counseling and support, which they may find by participating in a smoking cessation clinical trial.
Along with reducing the risk of lung and other types of cancer, long-term advantages of these potentially lifestyle-changing studies include decreased risk of other conditions related to tobacco use, lowered blood pressure, decreased heart rate and improved sense of smell and taste. Use the resources on this page to learn more about this proactive step toward better health.
