How would one look for clinical trials.

[Bluebird11]

I would like to see what is on the horizon for clinical trials. What the process is, and how easy or hard it is to get into them. Thanks..genie

[dorke]

Start here

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/resu...

from here you can start filtering according phase/condition/locations etc

In each clinical trial you will see ,among other things, the inclusion/exclusion criteria and the contact info

Good luck

[Darryl Partner]

We have an easier clinical trial search. Lower right on homepage: Malecare.org

[alephnull in reply to Darryl]

Well, sort of. You can't filter on things like recurrent, or castrate resistant, or type of treatment ...etc

[FCoffey]

Most clinical trials aren't designed to help the patient in the trial. Some interventional trials may help those not in the placebo group. Many trials are determining dose and/or checking for toxicity. In general, clinical trials try to advance knowledge, which can help future patients.

People participate in these trials for a variety of reasons, some from informed altruism, some in the mistaken belief that a new treatment will help them. Anything is possible, but not everything is likely.

[Bluebird11]

Many Thanks. genie

[tango65]

Clinical trials may be the only way to have access to treatments that are not approved.

I search in clinicaltrials.gov for prostate cancer and other items I may be interested at the time. Then I search for clinical trials in centers of excellence such as Sloan Kettering, MDAnderson, Dana Farber etc. I do not select any placebo control trial.

I participated in a clinical trial for a vaccine in 2007 which stopped the progression of the cancer for 6 years. Unfortunately this vaccine does not work in castration resistant prostate cancer.

[cesanon]

I have the same problem.

I think there might be an opportunity for someone to sell assistance in searching for applicable trials as a personal service.

I would gladly pay for such a service.

I think many others would as well

[Break60]

I actually called NIH told them what I wanted and they sent me all relevant trials within a day.

[DanR3254]

As you look into trials, consider what phase the trial is in. Phase I and II you will get the treatment drug, but the odds of it actually working are lower. Phase III and IV usually include a chance of getting either the placebo or trial drug. Good luck. I've participated in 4 trials between my two surgeries.

[Bluebird11 in reply to DanR3254]

Dan.. what's the difference between a 'treatment drug' and the 'trial drug'... thanks

'the odds of it actually working are lower'.. in your opinion, why would that be. As a trial goes on do they change the drugs?

so you apparently would go for the III and IV? although who wants the placebo???

genie

[DanR3254 in reply to Bluebird11]

This may help. cancer.org/treatment/treatm...

In trials, remember, the drug has not been approved for 'treatment'. As to why an earlier phase has a lower chance of the drug working is because there are so many drugs that the labs think that might work, but just pan out, or the side effects are prohibitive. One of the phases includes 'dose escalation' - how much can be safely given to a patient. The drug isn't changed, the dose is.

In any trial, you as the patient, have option of quitting the trial, if you find that the drug you are being given just isn't working - be it a placebo or the actual trial drug.

In researching a trial read up on the description as it will include why they think this particular trial may be beneficial.

In any trial understand you may gain benefit, or not. As the old car ads used to say, 'your mileage may vary.' Good luck.

[Bluebird11]

THANK YOU...

I appreciate your response.

We are right now in the middle of sorting information. I appreciate EVERYONE's responses.

I will return with news and continue to support this group of amazing people...

thanks

genie