Finding out about clinical trials

A message from a patient who took part in a clinical trial

I was asked if I would like to take part in a clinical trial.  How could I decide? What did I know?  All I knew at that time was that I had a cancer I'd never heard of, and that it was likely to kill me very soon.  Within two months. If I was very lucky and could have surgery, I might have as long as two years!

I asked whether there were any drawbacks (although what could be worse than a one-way trip to the cemetery?).  I was verbally given a short list of the most common side effects. Really though it was a no-brainer decision. I said "Yes".

Well I am still here ten years later. I might still have been here had I not taken part in the trial.  No one will ever know.  However, it is known that the trial was a success and is now standard treatment for those fit enough to take it.

It’s all advantages really.  After all what do you have to lose?  Your hair? It will grow back.  Being on chemo/radiotherapy is not a picnic, but then neither is dying of cancer.

A trial gives you a chance to try out a newer treatment.  Okay, maybe it's no more effective than the old one, but it certainly won't be any worse.  You can leave at any time you like, and go back to the old treatment.  You are likely to be more closely monitored on a trial.

You will have that warm knowledge that what you are doing will benefit people in the future, either way.  Because of you, and others like you, it will be known whether or not this trial treatment is better than the old.  Usually it turns out to be better.  That's the whole purpose!

So I would say, "Go for it!"

For good information for patients on clinical trials, click on:

• Cancer Research UK
• National Cancer Research Network
• Current Controlled Trials (not only cancer trials)
• National Cancer Institute (US site)