Research & Clinical Trials
Research & Clinical Trial FAQs
Why Do Research?
Research improves the current state of cancer care by finding better ways to prevent and treat cancer.
Research improves the quality of life and extends survival for all who are diagnosed with cancer.
Research provides patients access to new, potentially more effective therapies which are not otherwise available.
What Are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people.
These studies occur after laboratory and animal testing has been completed.
Clinical trials are the only way new cancer treatments can be tested for efficacy and safety before being made available to the public.
Each study tries to answer specific scientific questions and find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.
Why Are Clinical Trials Important?
- Cancer affects us all. Every 25 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with cancer.
- About 556,500 Americans are expected to die from cancer this year – more than 1,500 people a day.
- Clinical trials contribute to knowledge and progress against cancer.
- Today's standard treatments are based on previous clinical trial results.
- Because of progress made, many people with cancer are living longer.
- Lower recurrence rates for many cancers
- New treatment approaches for cancers that had no effective therapy
- Fewer side effects and better quality of life
The more people that participate in clinical trials, the faster we can answer critical research questions that will lead to better treatments.
- Cancer Clinical Trial Participation
- Only about 3% of adult cancer patients take part in clinical trials.
What are the types of Cancer Clinical Trials?
- Treatment trials involve new investigational treatments such as new anticancer drugs.
- Prevention trials involve new approaches to prevent cancer or prevent a recurrence of cancer.
- Screening trials investigate the best way to diagnose cancer, especially in the early stages.
- Quality-of-life/cancer control trials explore ways to improve the comfort and quality-of-life of cancer patients.
What is a Protocol: A Trial's Action Plan
- A protocol specifically outlines the study's purpose.
- Defines the study size and number of participants.
- Describes the plan of care and collection of data.
- Carefully developed / reviewed by the Principal Investigator and the sponsoring organization.
- Reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Ensures that trial procedures are consistently carried out.
What does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) review?
IRBs review that:
- Risks to participants are minimized
- Risks are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits
- Selection of participants is equitable
- Informed consent is sought for each participant
- Informed consent is appropriately documented
- Data collection is monitored to ensure safety
- Privacy and confidentiality are protected
Why consider a Clinical Trial?
- Alternative to standard treatment
- May provide early access today to the treatments of tomorrow
- Monitored very closely even after the treatment is completed
Only through clinical trials do we learn to prevent, better treat, and cure cancer AND help others in the future!
For information about the NYOH Research Department, contact:
Sharon Krause, RN, Director, Research Operations
at (518) 489-3612, ext. 1342
or email
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