Doctors are working to learn more about small bowel cancer, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials [2]. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you.

Because small bowel cancer is rare, small bowel cancer-specific clinical trials may be hard to find. Some clinical trials on the diagnosis, treatment, and causes of colorectal cancer  [3]may be open to people with small bowel adenocarcinoma.

Radiosensitizers. Researchers are investigating the use of radiosensitizers in the treatment of small bowel cancer. Radiosensitizers are drugs that make tumor cells more susceptible to radiation therapy, making radiation therapy more effective.

Immunotherapy. As explained under Treatment [4], immunotherapy is being actively investigated for its best uses in treating small bowel cancer.

Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current small bowel cancer treatments in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

Learn more about common statistical terms used in cancer research [5].

To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or search online clinical trial databases now [6].