Executive Summary
Clinical trials are considered a better method for treating eye cancer. The evaluation of new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new therapies are integrated into clinical trials of eye cancer. New treatments with better efficacy and safety are the outcome of a clinical trial. The results of the clinical trials have been effective in reducing the symptoms and side effects during the treatment. Volunteers or patients willing to participate in the clinical trials should communicate with their doctor and healthcare team, and research expertise to make well decided informed choices regarding participating in the problem while signing informed consent. The volunteers willingly participate as they know the studies are a way to help advance eye cancer treatment. Eligibility criteria for eye cancer clinical trials ensure that the participants are safe, bound to no ill effects, and well-structured research. People who take part in clinical trials of eye cancer may withdraw their participation at any moment in time due to any personal or medical conditions. It may be because the treatment is not working or giving the desired results, including severe risks and side effects.
Clinical Trials of Eye Cancer
On the path to finding different ways to treat eye 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 of eye cancer. The clinical studies mainly focus on finding a safe, effective, and better treatment or diagnostic procedure 1. They evaluate new chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs for better treatment of cancer.
Taking part in clinical trials of eye cancer 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. People are strongly encouraged to talk with their health care team about the pros and cons of joining a specific study.
Participating in clinical trials of eye cancer can have many reasons. For some people, taking part in a clinical trial is the only left out option to receive the best treatment for the type of cancer 2. 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 3. Others learn ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after treatment.
Insurance and the costs of clinical trial of eye cancer change depending upon location and by study. Some of the expenses from participating in the clinical trial are reimbursed in several programs.
Clinical trials of eye cancer also have specific “eligibility criteria” rules that help research patients be safe. You and your research team carefully review these criteria together. 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.Harbour JW. Eye Cancer: Unique Insights into Oncogenesis The Cogan Lecture. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. Published online May 1, 2006:1737. doi:10.1167/iovs.05-1291
- 2.Sussman TA, Funchain P, Singh A. Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Current Status. Ocul Oncol Pathol. Published online 2020:381-387. doi:10.1159/000508383
- 3.Chua V, Mattei J, Han A, et al. The Latest on Uveal Melanoma Research and Clinical Trials: Updates from the Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Science Meeting (2019). Clin Cancer Res. Published online October 15, 2020:28-33. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2536