Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat children with retinoblastoma. A clinical trial is a way to test a new treatment to prove that it is safe, effective, and possibly better than a standard treatment. People who participate in clinical trials are among the first to receive new treatments, such as new chemotherapy drugs, before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment.
People decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some people, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, people are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other people volunteer for clinical trials because they know that this is the only way to make progress in treating retinoblastoma, such as finding new drugs. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future children with retinoblastoma.
To join a clinical trial, people must complete a learning process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the person’s options, so that the person understands the standard treatments and how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment. The doctor must also list all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different than the risks of standard treatment. Finally, the doctor must explain what will be required of each person in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment. Learn more about clinical trials, including patient safety, phases of a clinical trial, deciding to participate in a clinical trial, questions to ask the research team, and links to find cancer clinical trials.
Last Updated: October 31, 2008
