How to Join Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer Treatment

Patients with lung cancer have abnormal cell growth or tumors on or in the lungs that can cause an assortment of painful side effects, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. There are currently a number of widely used treatment options for lung cancer, but doctors are constantly researching new and better therapies. Before doctors can apply a therapy, it must undergo a clinical trial to determine whether it is safe and effective.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn as much as you can about your disease before you join a clinical trial. This will help you make an informed decision about whether a clinical trial is really appropriate for your condition.

2. Ask your doctor about trials that are currently open, or look them up for yourself in the Clinical Trials section of the National Cancer Institute Web site (see Resources below).

3. Determine whether you are eligible to join a clinical trial. Most clinical trials have specific staging, age or prior treatment requirements.

4. Phase I trials are designed primarily to determine what amount of a drug or treatment is the most effective dosage that can be administered safely.

5. Phase II clinical trials focus mainly on the safety and effectiveness of a given drug or treatment.

6. Try to opt for Phase III clinical trials, when available. This is the phase most frequently open to patients and focuses on whether a proposed treatment shows more or less promise than an existing treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• You have the right to discontinue participation in a clinical trial for any reason without prior notice.
• If you decide to participate in a clinical trial, make sure you're prepared to handle all of the work involved. You may be asked to keep a record of side effects, emotions and overall experiences, which can take up a great deal of your time.
• In addition to taking the drug being tested, you may be asked to make major changes in your diet or other lifestyle adjustments.
• Many patients feel nervous or scared before joining a clinical trial. Discuss your fears with your doctor, who can tell you about the benefits and risks of the trial you're interested in. You may also want to form a support group of close friends and relatives who can help you through particularly emotional times.

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