Debunking Clinical Trial Myths: 5 Facts You Need To Know

In our Clinical Trials blog series, we’ve covered topics such as how to find the right clinical trialhow to find and pay for clinical trials, and even if you have rights in a clinical trial.

You may have heard a lot about clinical trials, but still have questions about when someone would participate in a clinical trial, or how they work. You are not alone! Today, we want to de-bunk some common clinical trial myths.

Common myth: Clinical trials are for patients who have run out of options
Clinical trials are applicable to patients at all stages, including those who have not yet been treated. You should consider asking your doctor about clinical trials to see if they are part of your treatment options.

Common myth: Participation in clinical trials is not important
Most cancer treatments available today were once tested and proven effective in a clinical trial. While it may be a common misconception that clinical trials are ineffective or a waste of time, it’s a proven fact that clinical trials are a necessity for scientific advancements in the treatment of cancer.

Common myth: Patients are treated as guinea pigs
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. A main concern is to protect the well-being of participants at all times; from knowing your rights, to making sure you’re receiving the best possible care during your trial. For more information on knowing your rights from start to finish during a clinical trial, watch the “What Is Informed Consent” video on this page.

Common myth: Patients may receive a placebo, not a treatment
A placebo or sugar pill is not used in place of standard of care chemotherapy treatment; in some trials one may be added to a standard treatment. This ensures that patients are at least getting standard of care treatment.

Common myth: Clinical trials are more expensive for patients
In most cases, clinical trial costs will be covered by the clinical trial sponsor and/or the patient’s insurance. For more information on finding and paying for clinical trials, check out this helpful blog post.

We’ve partnered with our friends EmergingMed to bring you free access to their Clinical Trials Matching Program. Just fill out a short questionnaire for suggested trials that best fit your diagnosis and geographical location.

Be sure to visit Triage Cancer’s Clinical Trials page for more information!

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Monica Bryant
mb@triagecancer.org