Clinical Trials
Clinical Research Available to You at Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Care
Cancer research that involves people is called a clinical trial. After laboratory and animal testing, promising methods go on to several phases of clinical trials which take place in medical centers, hospitals and doctors’ offices. These studies follow carefully designed plans in order to compare a new unapproved method of diagnosis or treatment to standard care. The studies are sponsored by organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, drug companies and medical institutions.
Clinical trials look for answers in all phases of cancer care:
- Prevention
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Management of symptoms of cancer or symptoms associated with the treatment of cancer.
A clinical trial may be a treatment option for many patients with cancer. If a clinical trial is available as a treatment option that you may wish to consider, your doctor will discuss the possible benefits and drawbacks with you and will provide materials explaining the research study.
The National Cancer Institute maintains a comprehensive database of cancer clinical trials available throughout the country which can be accessed at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials
For more information on clinical trials please call our Oncology Clinical Research Office at 414-874-4837.