Clinical trials for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Executive Summary

Clinical trials are considered a better method for treating inflammatory breast cancer. The evaluation of new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new therapies are integrated into inflammatory breast tumour clinical trials. 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 the treatment of early- and late-stage inflammatory breast cancer.

Clinical Trial for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

On the path to finding different ways to treat inflammatory breast cancer, various research and clinical trials have been carried out to find safe and effective treatments other than the standard ones. The clinical studies mainly focus on finding safe, effective and better approaches for treatment or diagnostic procedures. They evaluate new chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs for better treatment of cancer ​1​.

Taking part in clinical trials for cancer can benefit people by receiving treatment before it is available to the public. However, 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 happening on drugs and other therapies that can relieve the symptoms and side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. Hence, people 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 for inflammatory breast cancer is the only 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. 

Eligibility and Cost of Clinical Trials

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. 

Insurance and the costs of clinical trials for inflammatory breast cancer change depending upon location and by study. In several programs, they reimburse for some of the expenses from participating in the clinical trial.

Clinical trials for inflammatory breast cancer also have specific “eligibility criteria” rules that help the research and keep patients 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 also include that the new treatment is not working or it has some severe side effects. Hence, experts keep an eye on clinical trials for any problems with each study. 

References

  1. 1.
    Costa R, Santa-Maria CA, Rossi G, et al. Developmental therapeutics for inflammatory breast cancer: Biology and translational directions. Oncotarget. Published online December 2, 2016:12417-12432. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.13778
  2. 2.
    Jagsi R, Mason G, Overmoyer BA, et al. Inflammatory breast cancer defined: proposed common diagnostic criteria to guide treatment and research. Breast Cancer Res Treat. Published online January 1, 2022:235-243. doi:10.1007/s10549-021-06434-x