Clinical trials are research studies involving people who are looking for better ways to prevent, find treat or cope with cancer. Through clinical trial research, scientists obtain knowledge that spurs progress in fighting cancers and improving health. Cancer clinical trials are usually sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and associated trial groups or a pharmaceutical company.

• Phase I trials are designed to test safety and involve a small group of people.
  
  
• Phase II trials are designed to test the effectiveness of a particular drug.
  
  
• Phase III trials are designed to test whether a new drug is better than standard treatment for a specific cancer. This design is frequently a randomized control trial.(RCT). An RCT has participants randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. This may be a double-blinded process having neither doctors nor patients know who is in which "arm".

Clinical trials are not appropriate for everyone, however it is LCCH's position that everyone being treated for lung cancer at least considers being a participant. A discussion of the appropriateness of a clinical trial for an individual patient should be an integral part of the treatment process. A rigorous interview is conducted prior to allowing participation in a clinical trial. Informed consent is designed to protect the interests and safety of a trial participant. The following websites offer information about specific clinical trials:

National Cancer Institute - 1-800-422-6237

New Jersey Cancer Trials Connect - 1-866-788-3929


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