Taking Part in Cancer Research
Cancer research has led to real progress in leukemia
treatment. Because of research, adults and children
with leukemia can look forward to a better quality of
life and less chance of dying from the disease.
Continuing research offers hope that, in the future,
even more people with this disease will be treated
successfully.
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.
Doctors are studying methods of new and better
ways to treat leukemia, and ways to improve quality of
life. They are testing new targeted therapy, biological
therapy, and chemotherapy. They also are working with
various combinations of treatments.
Even if people in a trial do not benefit directly, they
still make an important contribution by helping doctors
learn more about leukemia and how to control it.
Although clinical trials may pose some risks, doctors
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. This booklet describes how treatment studies
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 leukemia. 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.
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