Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They are the final step in a long process that begins with research in a lab. Most treatments used today are the results of past clinical trials.
Any time you or a loved one needs treatment for cancer, clinical trials are an option to think about. Trials are available for all stages of cancer. It is a myth that they are only for people who have advanced cancer that is not responding to treatment.
Cancer clinical trials test new ways to:
- Treat cancer
- Diagnose cancer
- Prevent cancer
- Manage symptoms of cancer or side effects from its treatments
There are several types of cancer clinical trials:
- Treatment trials
- Prevention trials
- Screening trials
- Supportive and palliative care trials.
For more information regarding National Cancer Institute’s clinical trials, click here.
To search for a National Cancer Institute clinical trial, click here.*

Clinical Trials Actively Recruiting Patients With Esophageal Cancer http://www.ascopost.com/issues/march-25,-2015/clinical-trials-actively-recruiting-patients-with-esophageal-cancer.aspx
Source: National Cancer Institute