Research & clinical trials
Cancer research examines prevention, screening, biology, treatment, side-effect control, survivorship and health equity.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a carefully designed study involving people. It may test a new treatment, prevention method, diagnostic approach or way to improve quality of life.
Trial phases
Phase 1
Focuses on safety, dose and how a treatment behaves in the body.
Phase 2
Studies whether a treatment shows activity and continues monitoring safety.
Phase 3
Compares a new approach with the current standard in a larger group.
Phase 4
Studies longer-term effects after approval and wider use.
Randomization
Assignment by chance helps groups remain comparable. Placebos are rarely used alone when effective treatment exists.
Oversight
Review boards, monitoring plans and safety rules protect participants.
Questions to ask
- Why might this study fit my diagnosis?
- What are standard alternatives?
- What extra visits, tests or travel are required?
- Which costs are covered, and what might insurance cover?
- Who do I contact after hours?
Search verified registries
Use ClinicalTrials.gov and the National Cancer Institute trial search. Discuss any study with your oncologist and contact the listed research team to confirm current eligibility.