What clinical trials are available

Based on the provided NCCN guidelines sources, here are the key points about clinical trials for cancer patients:

According to the NCCN Guidelines:

Clinical trials are research studies that:

• Test new ways of treating cancer after being developed and tested in laboratories
• Must be proven safe and effective before FDA approval
• Are done in phases: • Phase I: Study dose, safety, and side effects • Phase II: Study how well the drug works for specific cancer types
  • Phase III: Compare new treatment to standard treatment • Phase IV: Study long-term safety and benefits after FDA approval

To find available clinical trials, the guidelines recommend these resources:

In the United States:

• NCCN Cancer Centers (NCCN.org/cancercenters)
• National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search)

Worldwide:

• U.S. National Library of Medicine clinical trials database (clinicaltrials.gov)

For help finding trials:

• NCI's Cancer Information Service: 1-800-4-CANCER
• cancer.gov/contact

Important considerations about participation:

• Every trial has specific eligibility criteria about who can join
• You can leave a trial at any time to seek other treatment
• Placebos are rarely used alone in cancer trials
• Cost coverage varies by study, insurance, and state

The guidelines emphasize that everyone with cancer should carefully consider clinical trials as part of their treatment options and discuss participation with their doctor.

Sources: NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, 2023, pages 33-34; NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Glioma, 2024, pages 56-64.