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Nearly all current cancer treatments started in a clinical trial. These research studies help us find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. At any given time, Huntsman Cancer Institute has more than 300 cancer treatment clinical trials open to patients and several more for prevention or detection of cancer.
Our goal is to find new cancer treatments and improve the quality of life for people with cancer, and clinical trials are critical to this endeavor. We sat down with Heloisa Soares, MD, PhD, the medical director of our Clinical Trials Office, to clear up some frequent misconceptions about clinical trials.
Myth
Clinical trials are only for people who have no other treatment options.
Fact
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about clinical trials. While trials can be a lifeline for patients with advanced cancer or those who have not had success with standard treatments, many trials are available for patients at various stages of their disease. These trials explore new ways to detect, diagnose, and reduce the risk of cancer, or manage symptoms and side effects, not just treat late-stage cancer.
Myth
Clinical trials are experimental, so they are less safe than standard treatment.
Fact
The safety of our patients is our top priority. Most clinical trials are based on existing evidence that suggests the experimental treatment are safe to patients. In clinical trials that are designed to assess toxicity of a given treatment, patients are monitored very closely. with lots of attention to detail.
Myth
If I participate in a clinical trial I may receive a placebo instead of treatment.
Fact
In clinical trials today, placebo options are not frequently used alone. If a placebo is used, it is usually in combination with standard treatment, so most patients are getting an active treatment. A patient in a clinical trial will always get the highest level of care.
Myth
Clinical trials are not covered by insurance and are too expensive.
Fact
When you take part in a clinical trial, much of the care is the same as if you were receiving a standard treatment. You will continue to see a doctor, have regular lab tests, and get imaging scans as needed. Health insurance often covers these costs, along with any approved treatments that you receive while taking part in the trial. However, if a clinical trials requires extra tests and procedures to ensure your safety and participation, these research costs are usually not covered by insurance and will be likely paid for by the study sponsor.
Your doctor or clinical research team will discuss any additional costs with you and answer your questions before you begin treatment. You can also speak with Huntsman Cancer Institute’s financial advocates about insurance or billing concerns.
Myth
Once I enroll in a clinical trial, I can’t change my mind.
Fact
Taking part in a clinical trial is always your choice. You can tell your doctor if you want to stop at any time and for any reason.
Myth
My doctor has to refer me to a clinical trial.
Fact
Your doctor may refer you for a clinical trial, but they may not know about every clinical trial available. We recommend you look for clinical trials you might want to take part in by reviewing the clinical trials we have available.
Myth
Clinical trials are only available at the main Huntsman Cancer Institute hospital.
Fact
Clinical trials are available at some of our community clinics and affiliate hospitals.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your care team about getting in contact with our Clinical Trials Office.