Clinical Trials

Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat patients with stomach cancer. 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. Patients who participate in clinical trials are among the first to receive new treatments before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment.

Patients decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some patients, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other patients volunteer for clinical trials because they know that finding new drugs and other therapies is the only way to make progress in treating stomach cancer. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future patients with stomach cancer.  It is also important to note that all patients may not be eligible for clinical trials.  It is best to talk about the pros and cons of a clinical trial with your doctor.

To join a clinical trial, patients must complete a learning process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the patient's options, so the person understands 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 patient in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment.

Ask your oncologist about any clinic trials that are currently being conducted for stomach cancer.  In addition, the National Cancer Institute has a ten-step guide regarding how to find a cancer treatment trial.  You can find that guide at: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/finding/treatment-trial-guide.