Ovarian cancer clinical trials
Research is needed into the causes and treatment of ovarian cancer and a lot of work is being carried out in the United Kingdom and around the world. Clinical trials are research studies that investigate potential new treatments or interventions and compare them to the current standard treatments or protocols. They are only carried out when there is good reason to believe they will offer benefit over the current treatment. However, it cannot be guaranteed that they do.
Even if you are newly diagnosed you could be offered the chance to participate in a trial, or you can ask your doctor if there are any suitable for you. Trials will have strict criteria for joining them. This is to make sure that the results can be relied upon by comparing like with like.
Some women feel that by taking part in a clinical trial they will receive a higher level of attention in terms of more frequent check ups. Others are concerned about the impact of participating in a trial on their day to day life. Talk to your Clinical Nurse Specialist or Oncologist. They should be able to answer your queries, and help you identify any trials you would be eligible for. No one can make you join a clinical trial without your informed consent.
