Clinical Trials

Understanding Cancer Clinical Trials

Cancer treatment advances coming out of clinical trials offer hope to prolong life, improve treatments, and possibly even offer a cure.

As part of the affiliation with the University of Utah, cancer patients have the opportunity to participate in treatment clinical trials at Huntsman Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized, NCI-designated cancer research facility.

Patients often choose not to take part in available clinical trials for many reasons, including misconceptions about the methods involved. Many times, patients wonder if they will receive the most advanced treatment as a clinical trial participant or if they’ll be treated as a test subject. Fortunately, fears of receiving anything less than the best are unfounded.

Many of the other fears about clinical trials are unnecessary as well. Common worries include the fear of receiving a placebo or having a treatment not covered by insurance. Rest assured, patients always receive the most appropriate treatment available, and many times prior arrangements can be made with the hospital or drug companies to help cover treatment costs.

Every cancer patient considering clinical trials will meet with an oncology nurse to discuss the treatment process and answer any questions. And, because it is voluntary, you may leave the trial at any time.

For more information on clinical trials, contact us at (775) 445-7604.