Brain Tumor Clinical Trials

Brain tumor clinical trials are research studies to determine the effectiveness of experimental brain tumor treatments. Brain tumor trials usually evaluate new chemotherapy, radiation and biological (immune system) therapies, and may offer patients who haven't had success with traditional therapies a new type of treatment. Clinical trials can be conducted by a variety of groups, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Physicians
  • Research organizations.

Clinical Trial Phases

Investigational pharmaceutical drug clinical trials follow a specific protocol and are divided into three phases. Clinical research of a new drug will pass through these three phases, each of which generally represents a separate clinical trial:

  • Phase I: Assesses the safety and correct dosage of a new drug. What are the side effects and safe dosages for this drug?
  • Phase II: Determines the effectiveness of the therapy. Does this treatment shrink the brain tumor and increase survival rates?
  • Phase III: Compares the new drug to a traditional, already-proven therapy. How does this new therapy compare to the standard treatment?

Once a drug has passed through these three phases, the FDA or another national regulatory agency usually approves it for medical use.

Clinical Trial Types

The National Cancer Institute classifies clinical trials into five categories, depending on the goal of the clinical research:

  • Diagnostic trials: Discovering better diagnostic tests and procedures
  • Prevention trials: Finding ways to prevent the disease from occurring or recurring, including vaccines, minerals and lifestyle changes
  • Quality of life trials: Evaluating methods for improving quality of life
  • Screening trials: Determining the best methods for disease detection
  • Treatment trials: Testing new treatments, drugs, and surgical and radiation procedures.

Should You Participate in a Clinical Trial?

Brain tumor patients may choose to participate in a clinical trial for various reasons. Many patients are looking for a cure or a way to feel healthier. Some patients enroll to help other people fighting the disease who may benefit from this new research.
No matter your reason, it's important to ask yourself and your doctors some questions before signing up:

  • Has this treatment been evaluated in brain tumor patients yet?
  • What are the potential side effects?
  • What is the cost of the trial? Will it be covered by insurance?
  • What tests, treatments and time commitments are involved?
  • Where does the trial take place?
  • Which phase is this study in?
  • Who is administering the trial?

Examples of Brain Tumor Clinical Trials

Clinical research investigates many different ways to slow the growth of or destroy brain tumors. One recent brain tumor clinical trial is determining the effectiveness of a vaccine coupled with chemotherapy on brain tumor growth in patients with glioblastoma multiforme who have already had surgery. Another study is evaluating the effectiveness of whole brain radiation therapy used in addition to stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with metastatic brain tumors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r
Keep reading

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c
Keep reading