In many clinical trials, the sponsoring organization or pharmaceutical company may bear the cost of drug therapies. For other studies, your insurance company may cover certain costs of new treatments. Each clinical trial is designed and conducted according to strict scientific guidelines. The principal investigator, usually a doctor, prepares an action plan for the study called a protocol. Clinical trials may be sponsored by a cancer center or health care institution, a cooperative group that links a number of cancer centers and clinics regionally or nationally, a national organization such as the National Cancer Institute, or a pharmaceutical or medical equipment company.
All participants follow the same protocol to ensure that information is collected consistently.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University offers a wide range of clinical trials,many of which are developed by our own scientists and physicians. Types of Clinical Trials Prevention trials study ways to protect people from developing cancer and to prevent new types of cancer from developing in cancer survivors. Early detection trials are aimed at finding cancer in its early, most treatable stages. Treatment trials test new therapies such as drugs or radiation in current cancer patients. Quality of life trials focus on improving comfort and daily life for cancer patients.