Feasibility of someone from out of USA joining a clinical trial in USA?

[RindaMan]

My father has Prostate cancer (stage IV) and High Grade Neuro-endocrine cancer / Small Cell Carcinoma in liver. His six doses of Chemotherapy (carboplatin + etoposide) that ended seven weeks earlier.

My understanding is that chemotherapy is the established regimen for High Grade NE Cancer/SCC. Are there significant benefits of joining clinical trials after chemotherapy for SCC?

I searched in the repository of clinical trials in India (ctri.nic.in) but did not find clinical trials that mention small cell cancer. There are some trials that mention non-small cell cancer of lung but quite a few of these trials mention small cell cancer as an exclusion condition.

Would it be a good idea to join a clinical trial in USA? And would you think that it is feasible for someone from India to join a clinical trial in USA – how long would we stay, etc.?

~Thank you

[NickJoy]

Hi, I have inquired a few times about joining trials in USA and most of the trial organizers have been receptive to the idea - even though we are British. There is, I think, a special visa which can be obtained for this purpose The main problem for us was the expense. Whilst the drugs are often free as part of the trial, my understanding is that the required blood tests, scans etc are either self paid or paid via insurance. I am hoping that someone here will be able to provide you with better information on the funding aspect but, if money is no object to you, I think the trial organizers will be helpful to you. The trial currently being run by Duke called CHAMP, uses drugs that I think should be obtainable for your father's oncologist and it would be easy for them to replicate this trial in India - if they are prepared to do so. Of course, for the other trials using new drugs, you will need to travel to the trial venue. I very much hope you find something which will benefit your father. Very best of luck.

[Tall_Allen]

Here is a list:

prostatecancer.news/2016/12...

None of them require US citizenship. You have to look at each one to determine whether long stays are required, however. Drugs are covered, but medical staff and facility use fees probably are not. But you can possibly negotiate that with the hospital.

[GP24]

I do not think you need a clinical trial. Liver mets can be treated with SIRT. Here is a list of hospitals in India which offer this treatment: clinicsoncall.com/en/clinic...

Here is some information about this therapy:

med.uni-magdeburg.de/krn/en...

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...