Clinical Trials
Experimental treatment may be an appropriate avenue
Patients may consider enrolling in research studies known as “clinical trials” to try experimental new therapies or techniques that are still in the investigational stage.
A clinical trial is an investigation of an experimental treatment to see if it is safe to use and effective in fighting a disease, such as prostate cancer. Participating in a clinical trial is a way to gain access to promising and perhaps effective drugs yet to be approved by the FDA. Hundreds of research projects are currently investigating the potential of new drugs and new combinations of drugs.
A clinical trial consists of two groups: (1) patients who receive the experimental drug or treatment, and (2) other patients who are given either a standard treatment for the disease or a placebo which has no therapeutic value.
Regardless of which group they are in, all patients receive the same level of medical attention and care. In most clinical trials, the health of the participants is monitored both during and after the study period. Clinical trials are highly controlled and regulated. They are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical or biotech companies, the federal government, medical institutions, or private foundations.
Clinical trials have helped hundreds of thousands of people – who are alive today – because new, more effective treatments became available. You should always talk with your doctor before enrolling in one, so your doctor can follow your treatment during the trial process. It's important to take charge of your health and educate yourself about clinical trials. A survey of 2,000 cancer survivors conducted by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and Northwestern University in 2006 found only 12 percent of men were aware of prostate cancer clinical trials while being treated for the disease.
To learn more about clinical trials and the latest research, download our clinical trial brochure. If you are interested in receiving a printed version of the brochure, or joining our mailing list, please click here to fill out a request form.
