When an oncologist says,'You really ought to do X,' they appreciate that they're hearing that doctor's best assessment, but that the doctor's opinion is not necessarily the only way to view their situation. You're NOT a guinea pig . After promising new cancer treatments have been thoroughly tested in animals, they must be tested on human cancer patients before they can be approved for general use. Of the more than 1 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year, only 20,000 to 30,000 enroll in these tests of the latest treatments. If you ever regret joining, you're free to drop out at any time.
Clinical trials take place in three phases.
I trials are small studies that determine the new treatment's safe dose and side effects. I trials each year. I trial gives them hope that their disease may be treatable. But enrolling in a Phase I trial is a gamble. The price of renewed hope is a risk of possibly severe side effects.