Patients who take part in a clinical study have the advantage that a new treatment might turn out to be better than a more established method. Patients who take part in studies receive specialized care under a very precise set of directions, or protocol. Patients are carefully monitored during a study and followed afterwards. They often become part of a network of clinical studies carried out around the country. In this network doctors and researchers share their ideas and experience, so patients receive the benefit of the shared knowledge.
Studies can involve some risks as well as hopeful benefits.
All cancer treatments have side effects, but treatments being studied may have side effects that are not yet understood as well as the side effects of standard treatments. Patients and families should discuss all aspects of a study with their doctors or nurses before deciding whether or not to participate. Return to Top Children's Cancer Centers Children's cancer centers are hospitals or units in hospitals that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children and adolescents. Most children's cancer centers treat up to the age of 20. Because childhood cancer is relatively rare, it is important to seek treatment from specialized cancer programs familiar with the appropriate treatment of children with cancer.