Researchers at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, Kansas, are working together to advance patient care through clinical trials. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, talk with your doctor to see if a clinical trial is an option for your care. Ascension Via Christi St. Francis is a member of the National Clinical Trials Network system. Clinical trials, also known as research studies, investigate cancer treatments and devices to see if they are effective and safe.
Deciding to take part in a clinical trial is personal. There are many reasons you may choose to participate. For example, clinical trials can give you the opportunity to receive more advanced treatments. During the trial, you are watched closely by your care team for any side effects. Before taking part in a trial, you should fully understand the risks and benefits of participating in the research. Your doctor can help answer your questions and help you decide if this clinical trial is right for you.
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Who can participate in clinical trials?
Researchers set guidelines for who can take part in the trial to help make sure it is as safe as possible for you to participate. They also design studies so that the results are based on the treatment being studied and not other factors. Factors that may determine whether you can be in a clinical trial include: age, previous disease, current health condition, previous treatments, or gender.
How do I decide if a clinical trial is right for me?
Remember that clinical trials may include unproven treatments that may not be proven effective in treating your disease or condition. Volunteering is a personal choice and may not be right for everyone. The results of research can help advance medical science by helping researchers better understand possible treatments and their safety and effectiveness. Often, there is no cost to participate in trials and financial support is provided for participants, but each trial and guidelines are different.
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Is it safe for me to participate in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are strictly reviewed to make sure they are as safe as possible. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve the conduct of research trials before they are started. Also, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) (a group of people who reviews studies to make sure that human rights are protected) reviews the study throughout its course to protect the volunteers.
There may be risks for taking part in a clinical trial. The research team will explain the study to you and help you understand the risks before you decide to participate. We encourage you to talk with the study doctor and ask your questions — big and small. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.
Before you participate, you will also be asked to sign an informed consent form. This form gives you information about the potential risks and benefits of participating in the study. Your participation in any clinical trial is completely voluntary. If it becomes unsafe for you to stay in the study for any reason, you can stop your participation at any time. Your health and wellness is our priority.
Consent for a clinical trial
If you decide to participate in a trial, you will need to sign and return a consent form. You will receive a final copy of this form signed by all parties in order to review the study plan. Once you decide to participate, your nurse will:
- Arrange further testing, as needed, and communicate with your doctors and other specialists regarding your treatment
- Schedule treatments and tests needed as you continue with the clinical trial
- Maintain communication with you, your doctor, the researchers, and others involved in your care
What happens to the information from the clinical trial?
Your personal and health information from the study is private and kept confidential. Researchers must follow strict federal regulations, codes of ethics, and other standards throughout the entire research process. You will need to ask the research team what results can be shared with you and what information you can share about your participation for each clinical trial.
