The Promise of Cancer Research
Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials
(research studies in which people volunteer to take part). They are studying
new ways to treat cervical cancer. Some are also studying therapies that may
improve the
quality of life
for women during or after cancer treatment.
Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out
whether new approaches are safe and effective. Research already has led to many
advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective methods for
dealing with cancer.
Researchers are testing new approaches to treatment, including anticancer drugs
and drug combinations. They also are studying different methods, doses, and
schedules of radiation therapy. Some trials are combining chemotherapy,
surgery, and radiation therapy. Other trials are researching
biological therapy.
Researchers also are studying surgery to remove
sentinel lymph nodes.
A
sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which the cancer is likely to
spread. Today, surgeons often have to remove many lymph nodes and check each of
them for cancer. But if the research shows that it is possible to identify the
sentinel lymph node (the lymph node most likely to have cancer), doctors may be
able to avoid more surgery to remove other lymph nodes.
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, 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 cervical cancer. 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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