Clinical trials are research studies and experiments used to discover new ways to prevent, treat, detect and manage different types of cancers. Clinical trials answer important scientific questions which can lead to new information and findings of the safety and effectiveness of new treatments. Findings from past clinical trials have resulted in more efficient and effective drugs to help patients fight against cancer.1
Many common practices used today to detect and treat prostate cancer were initially used as a clinical trial. Participation in a prostate cancer clinical trial is optional for anyone that is at risk or has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
What are some questions I should ask the practitioner when considering a clinical trial?
If you are considering taking part in a clinical trial, here are some questions to ask your doctor:
- Why is this trial being done?
- What are my other options? What are their advantages and disadvantages?
- What kind of tests and treatments does the study involve? How often are they done?
- Will this require an extra time commitment on my part?
- How could the study affect my daily life?
- What side effects might I expect from the study treatment?
For a current list of clinical trials, visit the following websites:
Canadian Cancer Trials
canadiancancertrials.ca
(Clinical trials in all Canadian provinces)
National Cancer Institute
cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/advanced-search
(Clinical trials in Canada, the United States and around the world)