Radiation oncology clinical trials

Specialized radiation therapy that delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor may kill more tumor cells and cause less damage to normal tissue. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin and docetaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.

Others find tumor cells and help kill them or transmit tumor killing molecules to them. It is not yet known whether radiation therapy is more effective when given with cisplatin, docetaxel, or cetuximab and docetaxel. The purpose of this study to assess the effectiveness of proton vs.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as temozolomide, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

It is not yet known whether giving radiation with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide versus radiation with adjuvant PCV is more effective in treating anaplastic glioma or low grade glioma. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Below are current clinical trials. Clinical trials are designed to test treatments under very specific scientific and ethical guidelines.

Clinical trials use written protocols to define the purpose, design and conduct of a specific clinical trial. All of the research centers participating in a particular study use the same research protocol. The protocol is written by the sponsor of the study and explains what the trial will do, how it will be conducted, where it will be conducted, who may participate and how and when the participants will be evaluated.

Sponsors of clinical trials include, but are not limited to, the National Cancer Institute, groups or networks of physicians, individuals within a single cancer institution and manufacturers of biopharmaceutical products. In order to protect patients participating in clinical trials, the sponsor reviews the protocol for safety and appropriateness and then the protocol must undergo a second neutral review by an Institutional Review Board IRB. The Institutional Review Board is responsible for overseeing any clinical trials that are performed in the specific healthcare institution where the clinical trial is offered.

An Institutional Review Board includes physicians, healthcare providers and individuals not involved in healthcare, including the clergy or ordinary citizens. Institutional Review Board members do not have any personal interest in the results of the trial and, therefore, can ensure that the study is conducted fairly and safely.

Committee members serving on Institutional Review Boards address the following questions in reviewing protocols:. The Institutional Review Board also reviews all informed consent documents to make sure that they provide clear and complete information for those evaluating the merits of enrolling in a specific clinical trial.

Both standard care and clinical trials have risks, side effects, and benefits that vary depending on the individual. However, there are rigorous guidelines in place to protect the well-being and safety of clinical trial participants.

The physician and research nurse conducting the study will explain any known or anticipated risks ahead of time. Signing the consent form acknowledges that the trial was explained and is understood. Also, clinical trial participants are constantly monitored to identify any changes in their condition. Clinical trials are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment interventions.

The objective of these clinical trials is to test new therapies in patients who have cancer. Patients participate in clinical trials for several reasons, including:. Patients who participate in clinical trials receive either a promising new treatment or the best available conventional treatment. If a new treatment option is proven to work, patients who are participating in the clinical trial will be among the first to benefit.

While there is no guarantee that any treatment will be successful, clinical trials have been proven to offer some of the most effective cancer treatments currently available today. Patient care costs: These are costs associated with providing medical goods and services to each patient.

Usual care costs include doctor visits, hospital stays, clinical laboratory tests, x-rays, and any other medical costs that occur regardless of whether a patient is participating in a clinical trial or receiving standard treatment.

These costs are usually covered by a third-party health plan, such as Medicare or private insurance. Care that is related to the clinical trial but not part of routine care may or may not be covered by your insurance. When considering clinical trial participation, you should work with your doctor, the research nurse, or your health plan to determine what is and is not covered. Research costs: Research costs are costs that are associated with clinical trial participation, such as data collection and management, research physician and nurse time, analysis of results, and tests performed purely for research purposes.

Such costs are usually covered by the sponsoring organization, such as a pharmaceutical company. Again, be sure to consult with your physician about the financial aspects of any trial you are considering. Cancer clinical trials are available in many hospitals and clinics throughout the United States. You are here Home. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate different types of treatment. These treatments include: New treatments Additions to treatment to improve treatment response Comparison of proven treatments to identify which is better Determine the amount of side effects and minimize the side effects of the treatment Identify social and economical impact of treatment s on cancer patients Other Types of Research include: Pathology sample reviews to learn more about the disease Blood and urine sample reviews to determine impact of treatment Patient questionnaire reviews to identify treatment impact on patients PHASES There are three phases most studies go through prior to becoming a standard treatment studies must show acceptable results prior to moving to the next phase.

Patients must meet very strict eligibility criteria designed for each protocol. Many patients will not be enrolled because they do not fit eligibility criteria. Patients must have pre-study testing which may be more testing than required for standard treatment. Patients must sign a study specific consent form prior to being enrolled in any study.