Clinical Trials About Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Executive Summary

Clinical trials are considered a better method for treating acute myeloid leukemia. The evaluation of new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to surgery, and new therapies are a part of clinical trials of acute myeloid leukemia. Volunteers or patients willing to participate in the clinical trials should communicate with their doctor, healthcare team, and research expertise to make well-decided informed choices regarding participation while signing informed consent. Clinical trials also focus on deriving methods to manage and relieve the side effects of cancer treatments. The volunteers willingly participate as they know the studies are a way to help advance the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Eligibility criteria for acute myeloid leukemia clinical trials also ensure that the participants are safe, bound to no ill effects, and well-structured research.

Clinical Trials for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

On the path to finding different ways to treat cancer, various research and trials have been carried out to find safe and effective treatments other than the standard ones. Every drug that is used now was once tested in clinical trials. The clinical studies mainly focus on finding a safe, effective, and better treatment or diagnostic procedure. They also evaluate new chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs for better treatment of cancer.

Taking part in clinical trials can benefit people by receiving treatment before it is available. As the coin has two sides, there are some risks with the clinical trials, including its side effects and the possibility of new clinical trials not working. Clinical trials are also conducted on drugs and other therapies that can relieve the symptoms and side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. ​1​. And so, they must talk with their health care team about the pros and cons of joining a specific study.

Participating in clinical trials can have many reasons. For some people, taking part in a clinical trial is the only option to receive the best treatment for the type of cancer. Because standard treatments are not perfect, people are willing to face the uncertainty and challenges of a clinical trial to seek a better result. 

Some clinical trials study new ways to relieve symptoms and side effects during treatment. Others learn ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after treatment. 

Cost and Eligibility

Insurance and the costs of clinical trials change depending upon location and by study. There are several programs which reimburse the expenses from participating in the clinical trial

Clinical trials also have specific “eligibility criteria” rules that help research patients be safe ​2​. You and your research team carefully review these criteria together. Even so, people participating in a clinical trial can stop participating at any time for any medical or personal reasons. The reasons may include that the new treatment is not working or has severe side effects. Experts keep an eye on clinical trials for any problems with each study.

References

  1. 1.
    Montalban-Bravo G, Huang X, Jabbour E, et al. A clinical trial for patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes not eligible for standard clinical trials. Leukemia. Published online October 31, 2016:318-324. doi:10.1038/leu.2016.303
  2. 2.
    Daver N, Cortes J, Kantarjian H, Ravandi F. Acute myeloid leukemia: advancing clinical trials and promising therapeutics. Expert Review of Hematology. Published online March 17, 2016:433-445. doi:10.1586/17474086.2016.1158096