Risks & Benefits

What is the difference between standard therapy and investigational therapy?

Standard therapy is the treatment that experts consider the most effective known treatment available. Healthcare professionals are obligated to provide patients with standard therapy, which is also called standard of care or best practice. In cancer clinical trials, investigational therapy refers to a drug (including a new drug, new dose, combination with other drugs, or route of administration) or procedure that has been tested in a laboratory and received approval from the FDA to be tested in humans. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but may be considered experimental in other diseases or conditions.

What are the potential benefits of participating in a clinical trial?

• You may have the opportunity to receive new medication, procedures and/or treatments that are more effective or better tolerated than those currently available as a standard of care.
• You will be helping future generations and making a valuable contribution to cancer research.
• You will be closely monitored while on a clinical trial by your doctor and research team.

What are the potential risks of participating in a clinical trial?

• A clinical trial may require more time and medical attention than standard of care. This may include more doctor visits, phone calls, hospital stays, and/or a more complex treatment regimen.
• The treatment may not work (even if it helps other patients on the clinical trial).
• The treatment may cause side effects.