Karen Peterson was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer in 2015. After undergoing three months of chemotherapy with difficult side effects, she made the decision to get a voluntary double mastectomy to remove the cancer. By 2017, her cancer had returned aggressively. She had tumors in her pelvis, lungs, and spine. Peterson was diagnosed…
Cancer deaths have dropped by 33% over the last three decades, in large part due to advancements in prevention, diagnostic tools, and treatments. Clinical trials help drive these innovations, but new research suggests participation levels aren’t where they should be. Despite their importance, only about 2-5% of adult cancer patients join clinical trials, with Black…
Katie Doble was diagnosed with stage 1A ocular melanoma in the spring of 2013. Ocular melanoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the eye, specifically in the melanin (pigment)-producing cells. At the time of Doble’s diagnosis, treatment options for her cancer were very limited. She underwent radiation treatment, but her cancer progressed…
Clinical trials are a testing phase for drugs, devices, and procedures. These research studies evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a medical intervention in humans. Clinical trials are essential to advancing medical treatments, including those for cancer. Historically, the trials have largely been conducted on white males. Now, medical professionals are examining how gaps in…
Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are clinical studies that take place outside of a traditional clinical trial site. They are also known as direct-to-participant trials or virtual studies. DCTs may offer several benefits, including convenience for participants. Evolving health technology, like wearable devices, makes DCTs possible. Decentralized clinical trials are medical studies that you participate in…
Clinical trials are studies that test new medical interventions, such as a new type of drug, surgery, or medical device, on human volunteers. They aim to determine whether the new treatment option is safe and effective. There are four stages of a clinical trial. Clinical trials happen in phases. Researchers use each phase to determine…
