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Although cancer has a heavy impact on the Australian population
there are reasons to be
optimistic about the future. The continuing pace of research and
medical advancements
means that developments in prevention and treatment can be channelled
from 'the bench
to the bedside' as quickly as possible.
In order to develop ways to combat cancer it is essential to first
understand how cancer works.
Faulty cells in the body cause cancer, so it is important to discover
how this cellular malfunction
leads to the growth of tumours.
This research is helping scientists and doctors understand cell
growth, cell defences
against cancer-causing DNA toxins, immunological defence against
cancer, the
relationships between viruses and cancer and the genetic foundations
of the disease.
Using the knowledge obtained from the study of these phenomena,
scientists are able to
address the fundamental issues in cancer research and develop the
keys to combating
and preventing cancer.
:: Clinical Trials
:: What is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is a research study conducted with patients who
have been diagnosed with a
cancer or other major illness and generally involves testing of
new treatments or finding
ways of improving existing treatments. Clinical trials are conducted
all over the world in
most large hospitals in an attempt to improve treatment for many
diseases.
The main objective of a clinical trial is to compare two or more
groups of subjects, using
two or more treatment options to determine the effectiveness of
a proposed drug or
biological treatment.
Clinical trials are carefully and ethically designed to allow truthful
and precise collection and
analysis of information to find out more about a disease. Such trials
help discover whether a
promising new treatment is safe and effective, as well as giving
a better understanding of the
current standard treatment, in the hope of improving the side effects
experienced by many patients.
:: Types of Trials
Clinical trials are conducted in four phases before they can be
considered for registration and use.
Phase I
trials involve a small number of patients and are designed to test
the safety and
dosage of a new drug and to evaluate side effects of various dosage
levels.
Phase II
trials involve larger numbers of patients and test the effectiveness
of a treatment
given in a particular dose. s
Phase III
trials are full-scale controlled examinations of new drugs or treatments
and are designed to
more fully explore the potential benefits and risks of the treatment
under study. Often, the
standard or current treatment is compared to a newer and potentially
better treatment.
This trial is a randomised trial, meaning the treatment is chosen
at random- neither the
patient nor the doctor can decide which treatment the patient will
receive. This ensures an
equal number of patients are allocated to each treatment and removes
any bias the doctor or
patient may have to one treatment or another.
Phase IV
trials allow pharmaceutical companies to monitor any adverse side
effects on a
larger scale than
Phase III
studies and help clarify other uses for the drugs, for example,
treatment of another disease.
:: Why should I enter a Clinical Trial?
Patients take part in clinical trials for many reasons, usually
with the hope of direct treatment
benefits for themselves. This might include a greater chance of
a cure, a longer time to live or
better quality of life. Sometimes patients want to contribute to
research that will help future
sufferers of the disease. Patients who participate in clinical trials,
in which improved results
are seen, have the first chance to benefit from these improved treatments.
:: How do I participate in a Clinical Trial?
Before you consent to participate in a clinical trial, you will
be given an information sheet,
which contains all the information about the trial, including the
risks and benefits. With any
form of treatment being assessed in a clinical trial, side effects
can be experienced and this is
always balanced against the benefits of treatment. You will also
be given the opportunity to
discuss the trial with your treating doctor, who will be able to
answer any questions.
If you agree to participate you will be asked to sign a consent
form, stating that you have read and
understood the purpose of the trial and the risks and benefits attached
to it. You are free to
withdraw from the trial at any time. All the ethical and legal codes
that apply to medical practice
are carefully followed in clinical trials.
:: Current Clinical trials
Coming soon
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