What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are medical research studies that test how scientific discoveries can be applied to patients.
The test may be on a medical product, a substance, a drug, a diagnostic technique or a therapeutic technique that aims to assess its efficacy and safety, applying it to humans. Clinical trials can also compare a new treatment to one that is already available.
What does it consist of?
Each clinical trial has a protocol or action plan that describes what will be done in the study, how it will be done, and why each part of the study is necessary.
Each trial has its own rules about who can participate, as the profiles of the participants will be specific and adapted to the type of trial. For example, some need volunteers with a certain disease, others need healthy people, and others only ask for men or women.
Why is it done?
Clinical trials are carried out in humans to clarify the clinical, pharmacological and/or pharmacodynamic effects on the body, to detect adverse reactions or to study the different changes produced in the body.
Preparation for clinical trials
To participate in a clinical trial, those in charge must study the anatomy and physiology of the person who wants to participate, since they must decide whether it is appropriate to undergo the study. Once the person is accepted as optimal for the study, a contract must be signed detailing the possible adverse effects.
How does the exam feel?
Depending on the type of clinical trial performed, the patient will experience some noticeable sensations, or they may not notice any. Testing will advise patients and researchers about the results of the trial.
06-19-2015 10-26-2023Clinical trials
Professor Hendrik Tobias Arkenau - Medical oncology
Created on: 06-19-2015
Updated on: 10-26-2023
Edited by: Sophie Kennedy
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are medical research studies that test how scientific discoveries can be applied to patients.
The test may be on a medical product, a substance, a drug, a diagnostic technique or a therapeutic technique that aims to assess its efficacy and safety, applying it to humans. Clinical trials can also compare a new treatment to one that is already available.
What does it consist of?
Each clinical trial has a protocol or action plan that describes what will be done in the study, how it will be done, and why each part of the study is necessary.
Each trial has its own rules about who can participate, as the profiles of the participants will be specific and adapted to the type of trial. For example, some need volunteers with a certain disease, others need healthy people, and others only ask for men or women.
Why is it done?
Clinical trials are carried out in humans to clarify the clinical, pharmacological and/or pharmacodynamic effects on the body, to detect adverse reactions or to study the different changes produced in the body.
Preparation for clinical trials
To participate in a clinical trial, those in charge must study the anatomy and physiology of the person who wants to participate, since they must decide whether it is appropriate to undergo the study. Once the person is accepted as optimal for the study, a contract must be signed detailing the possible adverse effects.
How does the exam feel?
Depending on the type of clinical trial performed, the patient will experience some noticeable sensations, or they may not notice any. Testing will advise patients and researchers about the results of the trial.
How to take part in cancer clinical trials
By Dr Mark Tuthill
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Cancer clinical trials can give you access to a treatment that you might not be able to get in standard care. Dr Mark Tuthill explains how to find out if you're eligible to take part in cancer clinical trials and what to expect from the initial assessment. See more
Tomorrow’s medicines today: Clinical trials for breast cancer drugs
By Professor Andrew Wardley
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Highly respected consultant medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist Professor Andrew Wardley shares his expertise on clinical trials for breast cancer drugs and how they have benefitted outcomes for patients over the years in this informative article. See more
What are clinical trials and how could they benefit you?
By Professor Hendrik Tobias Arkenau
2024-10-29
Deciding whether to be part of a clinical trial? Clinical trials for new cancer drugs are widely considered to be beneficial to cancer patients by potentially improving their treatment outcomes. Professor Hendrik-Tobias Arkenau, leading medical oncologist and the founding medical director of The Sarah Cannon Research Institute, explains who has access to them and how you can get involved. See more
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LOC at Chelsea (HCA)
102 Sydney St, London, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cancer
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LOC at London Bridge Hospital (HCA)
Private Care at Guy's, Great Maze Road, London, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cancer
- Intensive care
- Diagnosis of Cancer
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LOC at The Christie Private Care (HCA)
Wilmslow Road, ManchesterExpert in:
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