
The experts are looking forward to taking appropriate steps to provide better care for non-small cell lung cancer patients. The doctors have offered various research studies involving volunteers known to be the clinical trials to make scientific advancements. The clinical trials have been used for all the types of non-small cell lung cancer and its different stages. Several experts have focused on the new treatments for the non-small cell lung cancer patients. It is to learn the efficacy of the latest treatments in terms of safety, efficacy, and its extent of giving better results than the existing treatments of non-small cell lung cancer 1.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Clinical Trials
Clinical trials have evaluated the new drugs and their related treatment methods. Along with new approaches towards promoting the treatment and further preventive measures. The individuals participating in the clinical trials have been considered the first ones to adhere to the treatment before being available to the public. However, some of the significant risks are involved while integrating to the adoption of clinical trials. It might have possible side effects and the chance of non-working of the new treatment.
The individuals, mainly the non-small cell lung cancer patients, must communicate with their healthcare team regarding the advantages and disadvantages of joining a specific study. Some clinical trials have undergone innovative methods for getting relief from the severe symptoms and side effects during the treatment. Clinical trials might have the best available treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer patients. Many studies have also contributed to managing late effects that may occur after the treatment later involving longer duration. Therefore, maintaining appropriate communication with the doctors regarding the clinical trials for symptoms and side effects have been significant.
As the standard treatments for non-small cell lung cancer are not perfect. The individuals are looking forward to facing the uncertainties in the clinical trials expecting a positive outcome in the new treatment. Many of the individuals volunteer themselves for the clinical trials. They know that these studies will eventually contribute to the development process for treating non-small cell lung cancer 2. If the individuals are not being directly affected by the clinical trials, even their contribution in participating in the clinical trials shows advantages for the future patients of non-small cell lung cancer.
Specifications for Clinical Trials
The other specifications related to the clinical trials, such as insurance coverage and the costing, show variations in location and study type. Some of the programs integrate reimbursing the total cost and related expenses from participating in the clinical trials. But, in other programs, sometimes it does not happen. Hence, it is important to communicate with the research team and the insurance company. It will help them learn allowance available of the treatment in the clinical trials.
The primary concern of most of the individuals while participating in a clinical trial is the lack of treatment. They might experience by being in a treatment condition of a placebo and getting a sugar pill. In some cases, placebos are usually part of the standard treatment in most cancer clinical trials. And so, the participants participating in the study must be aware regarding the time and condition of the placebo in the study.
Participation
Participation in clinical trials involves the involvement of the individuals in a process known as informed consent. The informed consent must contain the doctor’s perception regarding:
- Explaining the treatment options of each individual for a better understanding of the differences between the new treatments and the standard ones.
- Enlist all the major and minor risks that may occur in the new treatment may or may not show any differentiation from the risks of standard therapies.
- Explaining the requirement of each individual for participating in the clinical trial involving the total numbers of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment.
- Mainly describing the primary aim for clinical trials and what researchers owe to learn.
Withdrawing from Clinical Trials
The clinical trials consist of some of the significant rules known as the eligibility criteria and the researchers’ learning. The individual and the research team are responsible for reviewing the requirements altogether. Also, individuals participating in the clinical trials have the right to withdraw their participation at any point in time due to personal or medical reasons. It may also include that the new treatment might not be practical or not working correctly, or causing significant side effects.
The clinical trials are being monitored very carefully by the experts responsible for determining any issues with each study. The individuals participating in the clinical trials are communicating with their doctors and researchers regarding their treatment and care being provided to them during the period of the clinical trial, after the clinical trial ends and during the condition if they choose to withdraw their participation in between the running clinical trial before its completion.
References
- 1.Subramanian J, Regenbogen T, Nagaraj G, et al. Review of Ongoing Clinical Trials in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Status Report for 2012 from the ClinicalTrials.gov Web Site. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Published online July 2013:860-865. doi:10.1097/jto.0b013e318287c562
- 2.Clarey J, Kao SC, Clarke SJ, Vardy J. The eligibility of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients for targeted therapy clinical trials. Annals of Oncology. Published online May 2012:1229-1233. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdr443