Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a research study designed to learn how our bodies respond to medicines or other treatments. They help doctors decide which patients should get which drugs in which order. Clinical trials are often viewed as the best treatment option for patients with melanoma stages 2, 3 and 4 because they: l C ombine standard treatment with a new treatment, which is thought to be better than the standard treatment that is currently available l O ffer drugs or combinations of drugs that are not yet approved by the FDA (US Food & Drug Administration), which many experts believe offer great promise in treating the cancer while also lowering the chance of cancer coming back All medicines prescribed by a doctor must first be tested in clinical trials. In fact, the current advances in the treatment of melanoma are because of clinical trials. The new drugs we have now that are improving survival rates were only available to patients in clinical trials just a few years ago. Current clinical trials are learning if newer and better options exist.
Reasons to consider a clinical trial You and your care team might consider a clinical trial because you: l W ill get close medical attention, such as more exams and tests of your health l M ay get access to medicines that are not yet approved
by a health authority, such as the FDA (US Food & Drug Administration), but that could be better at treating melanoma l C an give feedback on your experiences in the trial l H ave the chance to play a role in discovering new treatments for people in the future
Joining a clinical trial is a personal decision. Talk to your doctor, care team and friends and family to consider if joining a clinical trial is a good option for you.
Learn about clinical trials in melanoma. Scan this QR code with your phone or click here to watch a video.
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