The Promise of Cancer Research
Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials,
research studies in which people take part voluntarily. Many treatment studies
for women with uterine cancer are under way. Research has already led to
advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.
Patients who take part in clinical trials have the first chance to benefit from
treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an
important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more about
the disease. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers take
many very careful steps to protect people who take part.
In a large trial with hundreds of women, doctors are studying a less extensive
method of surgery to remove the uterus. Normally, the doctor makes an incision
in the abdomen to remove the uterus. In this study, doctors use a
laparoscope (a lighted tube) to
help remove the uterus through the vagina. Also, the doctor can use the
laparoscope to help remove the ovaries and lymph nodes and to look into the
abdomen for signs of cancer.
Other researchers are looking at the effectiveness of radiation therapy after
surgery, as well as at the combination of surgery, radiation, and
chemotherapy. Other trials are
studying new drugs, new drug combinations, and
biological therapies. Some of these
studies are designed to find ways to reduce the side effects of treatment and
to improve the quality of women's lives.
A woman who is interested in being part of a clinical trial should talk with her
doctor. She 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 at http://www.cancer.gov
provides general information about clinical trials. It also offers detailed
information about specific ongoing studies of uterine cancer by linking to
PDQ®, a cancer information database developed by the NCI. The
Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can answer questions about cancer
and provide information from the PDQ database.
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