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Myths & Facts of Clinical Trials
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MYTH:
Clinical trials only take place at large hospitals or cancer centers.
FACT:
Many clinical trials are now done at local hospitals, cancer centers and doctors’ offices.
It is important to get the facts and learn as much as possible about clinical trials because many myths have circulated among the general public. Here are some common myths:
FACT:
Clinical trials of cancer treatment are designed for individuals with cancer of all types and stages.
MYTH:
Clinical trials are only for people who have no other options for treatment (a “last resort”).
FACT:
Participants in cancer clinical trials will receive the standard of care as a foundation and then the experimental treatment or a placebo will be added to it. They will never receive a placebo instead of a cancer treatment.
MYTH:
Some participants in a clinical trial will get a placebo (sugar pill) instead of treatment.
FACT:
Clinical trials have many built-in safeguards to ensure that participants’ rights and safety are protected. These safeguards include an institutional review board, data and safety monitoring board, and an ongoing informed consent process.
MYTH:
Clinical trials are not safe.
FACT:
Under the new health care laws, patient care costs (such as going to the doctor, any stays in the hospital or certain testing procedures) are covered by insurance. Research costs are those directly related to the study and usually covered by study sponsor.
MYTH:
The cost of care in a clinical trial is not covered by health insurance.