A clinical trial is a medical research study that searches for a better way to treat a particular disease. Every clinical trial starts by carefully reviewing the current best ("standard") treatment for a given disease. Then, doctors and researchers consider what can be done differently that may save more lives or help patients to have a better quality of life during and after treatment. Clinical trials are usually the fastest and most efficient way to improve the care of children with cancer.
Many people and organizations are involved in developing a clinical trial. The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) is the largest pediatric clinical trials group, with more than 240 participating hospitals.
For each new clinical trial, a group of doctors, nurses and other experts lay out a plan for the new treatment. It then goes through a long review process that includes:
- Many experts within COG review the proposed clinical trial.
- Next, it is sent to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for approval.
- Each participating hospital institutional review board (IRB) must also approve the trial. IRBs are special committees of hospital personnel and physicians that consider all the research plans to make sure that the rights of patients participating in research will be protected.
Key Point: Every clinical trial is reviewed many times by experts within and outside of CureSearch, Children’s Oncology Group before being started at a treatment center
Get information about specific clinical trials
Catherine Bourne, RN, BHSc(N) Barbara Pugh, RN, MS Margaret Hussong, RN, MS, PNP Elizabeth Gilger, MSN, RN, CPON, CPNP
Reviewed and Edited by the CureSearch.org Editorial Board
February 2006