Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials, often referred to as research studies or research
trials, involve human volunteers to answer specific health
questions. Research studies are conducted in order to make sure
that new treatments are safe and effective. Funding for clinical
research comes from both the government and private industry.
What are the types
of Clinical Trials?
Treatment trials test experimental
treatments, new combinations of drugs, or new approaches to surgery
or radiation therapy.
Prevention trials look for better ways to
prevent disease in people who have never had the disease or to
prevent a disease from returning. These approaches may include
medicines, vitamins, vaccines, minerals, or lifestyle changes.
Diagnostic trials are conducted to find
better tests or procedures for diagnosing a particular disease or
condition.
Screening trials test the best way to detect
certain diseases or health conditions.
Quality of Life trials (or Supportive Care
trials) explore ways to improve comfort and the quality of life for
individuals with a chronic illness.
Clinical trials are conducted in phases. The
trials at each phase have a different purpose and help scientists
answer different questions.
What are the
phases of clinical trials?
In Phase I trials, researchers test an
experimental drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80)
for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage
range, and identify side effects.
In Phase II trials, the experimental study
drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to
see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
In Phase III trials, the experimental study
drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000)
to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to
commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow
the experimental drug or treatment to be used safely.
In Phase IV trials, post marketing studies
delineate additional information including the drug's risks,
benefits, and optimal use.
Who can
participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines about who
can participate. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria is an important
principle of medical research that helps to produce reliable
results. The factors that allow someone to participate in a
clinical trial are called "inclusion criteria" and those that
disallow someone from participating are called "exclusion
criteria". These criteria are based on such factors as age, gender,
the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and
other medical conditions. Before joining a clinical trial, a
participant must qualify for the study. Some research studies seek
participants with illnesses or conditions to be studied in the
clinical trial, while others need healthy participants. It is
important to note that inclusion and exclusion criteria are not
used to reject people personally. Instead, the criteria are used to
identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. The criteria
help ensure that researchers will be able to answer the questions
they plan to study.
To Learn More
To learn more about the clinical trials being
conducted at Barrow Neurology Clinics please call
602-406-6262.
To learn more about clinical trials
please follow the sites listed below.
The following is a
list of websites that may be of interest or information to
you. These websites are independent of Catholic Healthcare
West (CHW) and St. Joseph's. As such, St. Joseph's and CHW do not
endorse or sponsor any of these sites, nor do we vouch
for the any of the information contained within these
sites.
·Clinicaltrials.gov
·Clinicaltrials.com
·National Cancer
Institute Clinical Trials
·National
Institutes of Health, Research and Clinical
Trials
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