How to Join Clinical Trials for Bone Cancer

Malignant tumors in the bones are called bone cancer. Bone cancer research is ongoing, and new techniques for treating it are constantly being developed. If you have bone cancer, you can help in the investigation of new technologies and treatments by joining a clinical trial.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start by understanding the standard treatments for your type of bone cancer. Visit the Web sites of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute (see "Resources" below) in order to gain a thorough understanding of the standard treatments available.

2. Talk to your oncologist and medical team about clinical trials with which they may already be familiar. Their knowledge about bone cancer may also give you further insight into whether or not a particular trial will be of value to you.

3. Go online. Both the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute Web sites give information about clinical trials that are on-going. Be sure to look at the specific type of cancer the trial is targeting in order to know if it can benefit you. You may also want to travel to be in a trial focused on your type of cancer and situation.

4. Consider investigating clinical trials overseas if you are able to travel. Possibilities for clinical trials may also exist in other countries, since they may pursue research along different lines or test different medications than those available in the United States.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor or the doctor running the clinical trial about all aspects of the project before you join. Ask what the trial is investigating, what side effects you may experience if you participate and what benefits you may receive from the trial medications or procedures.
• Tell the doctor directing the trial who you want to be informed of your progress. Legally doctors cannot inform anyone who is not on the list that you prepare.
• Going through bone cancer treatments can be very trying emotionally, physically and spiritually. Seek support from friends, family and your spiritual counselor if you have one. If more support is needed, or if you do not have someone to go to, you can go to the Support Center of the American Cancer Society's Web site to find a group near you (see "Resources" below).

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on 4/29/2009 Clinical trials are vital in the cancer world!