PDQ does not recommend one treatment over another, but lists treatment options that the doctor may consider in developing a treatment plan to meet a patient's needs. Because advances in treatment occur frequently, PDQ summaries are reviewed monthly by PDQ Editorial Board oncology experts and are updated as needed. PDQ screening and prevention summaries contain information that describes the significance and evidence of benefits of screening in common types of cancer, and information on cancer prevention for particular types of cancer. The supportive care summaries cover such subjects as pain, nausea, and vomiting. These summaries also include information about the genetics of selected cancers.
Clinical trials are research studies in which people participate.
There are many types of clinical trials. They include studies to evaluate prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer, as well as studies designed to lessen the distress of the disease and improve comfort and quality of life. Each trial is designed to answer scientific questions. People who take part in clinical trials have the first opportunity to benefit from new research and make a very important contribution to medical science. PDQ provides summaries of ongoing treatment, supportive care, genetics, and screening and prevention clinical trials, including all NCI-funded clinical trials and some studies conducted by independent investigators at hospitals and medical centers in the United States and Europe.