Clinical trials are vital to advancing cancer care. They look at methods to prevent cancer in people at high risk, while others focus on ways to detect and diagnose it. Some trials aim to prevent recurrence in patients whose cancer is in remission, while others investigate treatments for advanced cancer or ways to improve quality of life. Clinical trials drive the discovery of new treatments, improve side-effect management, and elevate patient outcomes.
While joining a trial can help lead to the next big breakthrough, common myths can keep people from participating. Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center wants to debunk these so informed decisions are made based on the facts. Here are some truths behind common misconceptions about clinical trials.
MYTH: Patients are treated like guinea pigs
TRUTH: Clinical trial participants are treated like patients. Every individual who enrolls in a clinical trial receives careful medical attention and is closely observed. Before an investigational drug can be given to a participant, Mary Bird Perkins completes a rigorous screening and preclinical testing process for eligibility. Patients are fully informed of the risks and benefits of each clinical trial before starting the treatment. Throughout the treatment process, patients are closely monitored for success and equally treated with respect and dignity throughout the process.
MYTH: Only certain patients are evaluated for clinical trials
TRUTH: Every patient at Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is evaluated for participation in a clinical trial. Those who meet the criteria to participate in clinical research receive a standard of care treatment, but with the added benefit of a trail that may enhance their outcomes. The Cancer Center sponsors clinical trials to seek the safest and most effective treatments for each cancer type. Patients considering participating in one of our clinical trials will receive a thorough explanation from their doctor with information needed to make an informed decision.
MYTH: Clinical trials are dangerous because they use new practices and medicines
TRUTH: Keeping patients safe while in a clinical trial is a top priority for everyone involved in the trial. During the treatment, our dedicated staff inform patients of any new risks, benefits, and side effects, as they become known. By taking part in a Phase III clinical trial, a patient can try a new treatment that is otherwise unavailable. If the treatment is better than standard therapy, as a clinical trial participant, the patient may be among the first to benefit from it.
MYTH: Patients could get a placebo
TRUTH: A placebo, which does not contain an active ingredient, is very rarely used in cancer clinical trials as it would deny them effective therapy. The only case where this would happen is when there is no other treatment available. However, this would be clearly communicated to the patient before entering the trial. Patients are always fully informed if they are to be involved in a study that includes a placebo.
MYTH: Clinical trials are last ditch efforts
TRUTH: Some clinical trials are reserved for cancer patients who have exhausted all other treatment options for their ailment; however, most trials are open to any patient who is determined eligible for the trial.
MYTH: Once a patient enrolls in a clinical trial, they are locked in for the full duration of treatment
TRUTH: A patient can opt out of a clinical trial for any reason at any time. The quality of care they receive at Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will not be affected by their decision to participate in or withdraw from a trial. Patients who opt out continue to receive monitoring for a period of time to assess any long-term effects of the treatment received from the trial.
MYTH: Only academic institutions or cancer centers located in large cities offer clinical trials
TRUTH: High-quality, cutting-edge clinical trials are actively available right in local communities, eliminating the need for patients to travel to massive metro areas or large university medical centers. Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a prime example of how community-focused cancer networks bring advanced research directly to patients across south Louisiana. Visit our Clinical Trials page to learn more about the clinical trials offered at Mary Bird Perkins. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, please contact the Clinical Research office at (225) 215-1375, or send an email to clinicalresearch@marybird.com.
