Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments in people with cancer. Clinical trials may test new medications, new ways of using or combining standard treatments, or completely new methods. A number of clinical trials are available at Frauenshuh Cancer Center for people with cancer. Trials are an important aspect of cancer treatment, because they provide opportunities for researchers to work on improving treatment response and survival.

New treatments are first tested in the laboratory and on animals. If they show promising results without harmful effects, treatments then may be tested on cancer patients in clinical trials.

Clinical trials have three phases.
	Phase I trials are the first step in testing a new treatment in humans. Researchers will test the best way to give a new treatment (such as by mouth or injection), and how much of it can be given safely. They will look for possible side effects. Phase I studies usually include only a small number of patients who would not be helped by other known treatments, because not much is known about the possible risks and benefits at this point.
	Phase II trials focus on determining whether the new treatment works against cancer. As in Phase I, only a small number of people take part in these trials because of the unknown risks involved.
	Phase III trials compare the results of people receiving the new treatment with the results of people receiving a standard treatment, to see which group has the best results and the fewest side effects. Phase III testing may include hundreds of people around the country, and only begins after a treatment has shown promise in phases I and II.

For questions about clinical trials, call 952-993-6071.