Doctors all over the country are conducting clinical trials (research studies in which people volunteer to take part). Many are studying new ways to treat multiple myeloma.

Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether the new treatments are safe and effective. Research already has led to advances, such as stem cell transplantation, and researchers continue to look for better ways to treat multiple myeloma.

Researchers are testing anticancer drugs (such as thalidomide and bortezomib) and drug combinations. They are also testing ways to improve stem cell transplantation for people with multiple myeloma.

People who join clinical trials may be among the first to benefit if a new approach is effective. And even if participants do not benefit directly, they still make an important contribution to medicine by helping doctors learn more about the disease and how to control it. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers do all they can to protect their patients.

If you are interested in being part of a clinical trial, you should talk with your doctor. You may want to read the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. It explains how clinical trials are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks.

NCI's Web site includes a section on clinical trials at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials. It has general information about clinical trials as well as detailed information about specific ongoing studies of multiple myeloma. Information Specialists at 1-800-4-CANCER or at LiveHelp at http://www.cancer.gov can answer questions and provide information about clinical trials.

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