A clinical trial is designed to compare similar therapies or test new drugs. You may be offered access to a clinical trial when doctors are unsure as to which is the best treatment option. In this situation, you will receive one of two established treatments. For example, one might be popular with American doctors and the other more popular with Europeans. Participating in a trial, allows scientists to compare the outcomes from both treatments and assess advantages and disadvantages. This will allow future women to know more about the differences between the treatments.
An alternative explanation might be to test a brand-new drug. You may be attracted by the chance that it could have a profound beneficial effect on you. It may have side-effects and significant inconveniences. Access to clinical trials often depend on where you live.
If you have any questions about clinical trials or cancer treatment then please contact us at Ask Eve on freephone 08088020019 or email nurse@eveappeal.org.uk.
Alternatively, while not a clinical trial, The Eve Appeal have launched a new research clinic at University College London Hospital (UCLH) in November 2015 – BRCA PROTECT – with the aim to develop interventions with the potential to revolutionise the lives of women with a genetic mutation; leading to improvements in predicting the risk for and prevention of developing ovarian and breast cancer in the UK. If you would like to participate or find out more information then visit brcaprotect.org.
