Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people volunteer to take part). Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether new approaches are safe and effective. Research already has led to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. Researchers continue to search for new and better ways to treat thyroid cancer.

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

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 thyroid cancer. NCI's Information Specialists at 1-800-4-CANCER or at LiveHelp at http://www.cancer.gov/help can answer questions and provide information about clinical trials.

If you're interested in taking part in a clinical trial, talk with your doctor. You may also want to read the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how treatment studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks.

Another agency of the Federal Government, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), conducts research on diseases of the thyroid. NIDDK performs laboratory studies and conducts clinical trials on thyroid cancer. The Web site address of the NIDDK is http://www.niddk.nih.gov.

You can find NCI and NIDDK clinical trials described at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. This Web site provides the latest information about federally and privately supported clinical trials.

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