Some clinical trials are aimed at discovering new drugs while others evaluate different therapeutic approaches including surgery, irradiation and combinations of drugs already on the market. Clinical trials are the most reliable way to test a new treatment.
Researchers learn which approaches are more effective than others.
A number of treatments that we now use routinely were first shown to be effective in clinical trials. A Randomised Controlled Trial where neither the doctor nor the patient know in advance which treatment the patient will receive, is considered the most reliable and best way to test new treatments. SCTN offers assistance by providing information, data management and a randomisation service. If you are interested in entering patients into recognised trials for which your hospital has Local Ethics Committee approval, and require assistance with data management, contact your regional SCTN Office. Regional offices can also assist with applications for ethical approval.