Clinical trials, which examine how a cancer patient responds to a new medical approach or drug, are essential in the fight against cancer. Often, studies identify better ways to treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer-related diseases.

Patients who participate in clinical trials are volunteers who provide a tremendous service to further cancer research. While the volunteer participation in clinical trials may lead to breakthrough treatments, less than 5 percent of adult cancer patients will enroll in a clinical trial. A common fear is that all patients are treated with placebos, but actually, most participants receive the standard treatments in lieu of placebos.

Despite low participation, clinical trials have clear benefits for cancer patients:

• Trials are available locally. Texas Oncology’s commitment to community-based cancer care demonstrates that impactful clinical trials are not just taking place at large medical centers and universities, but all across the state, even in small towns. To learn about available clinical trials in your area, click here.
• Trials identify new treatments for participants. Patients who have exhausted other treatments may choose clinical trials as an alternative treatment option.
• Trials advance future care. Patients participating in clinical trials are heroes to future patients because they enable improved and more effective treatments to be developed.

Texas Oncology patient Richard Po knows first-hand the benefit of clinical trials. After being diagnosed with a rare type of cancer of the thymic gland, he turned to a research study offered locally at Texas Oncology–Round Rock.

“I’m very thankful that I was able to participate in a clinical trial,” Po said. “I was able to receive the latest in cancer treatments, and it was great to contribute in a small way to the treatment of future patients.”

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