HOW DO I LEARN ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS? Most of the advances in the treatment of childhood cancer have been made through a process known as clinical trials. In clinical trials, the best known (standard) treatment for a particular cancer is compared with a new (experimental) treatment that is believed to be at least as good as, and possibly better than, the standard treatment. Clinical trials allow doctors to determine whether promising new treatments are safe and effective. A clinical trial may or may not be offered to your child as a treatment option. You should ask your doctor about potential clinical trial options if you are interested in your child participating in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is voluntary. On one hand, because clinical trials involve research into new treatment plans, all risks cannot be known ahead of time, and unknown side effects may occur. On the other hand, children who
participate in clinical trials can be among the first to benefit from new treatment approaches. Before making a decision about your child’s participation in a clinical trial, you should discuss the potential and benefits with your child’s healthcare team. Learn more about clinical trials from the free booklet “Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies” from the National Cancer Institute. Get the booklet and useful information about childhood cancer at cancer. gov/publications/patient-education/cancer-treatment-research-studies . You also can find information on clinical trials at cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials . HOW CAN I WORK WITH MY CHILD’S HEALTHCARE TEAM? The care of your child requires a team approach. You are a key player on your child’s healthcare team. You know your child better than anyone else, and your input is important. Other members of your child’s healthcare team include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers.
Always communicate openly with the members of your child’s healthcare team. If there is anything you are not sure about, ask the team. Write down your questions as you think of them, so you’ll remember to ask them during your next meeting with your child’s healthcare team. Important questions you may want to ask: • What stage is the disease and what does that mean? • What treatment choices are available? • What treatment do you recommend and why? • What are the risks or side effects during the treatment ? • What are the risks and side effects after the treatment? • What are my child’s chances for survival? • What are the chances that the disease or condition will recur?
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