Breast Cancer Clinical Trials: Why Participate & Where to Find Them

When facing a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to explore every available option. Beyond standard treatments, clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge therapies and a chance to contribute to the future of cancer care. But what exactly are clinical trials, and why might you consider participating?

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They’re designed to evaluate new ways to:

• Prevent breast cancer
• Detect breast cancer
• Treat breast cancer
• Manage symptoms and side effects

These trials are essential for developing safer and more effective treatments.

Why Participate in Clinical Trials?

Participating in a clinical trial can offer several potential benefits:

• Access to Innovative Treatments: You may receive access to new therapies that are not yet widely available.
• Potential for Improved Outcomes: Clinical trials aim to find treatments that are more effective than current standards of care.
• Contribution to Future Care: Your participation helps researchers advance breast cancer treatment, benefiting future patients.
• Close Monitoring: Participants are often closely monitored by a research team, providing an extra layer of care.

Important Considerations:

• It’s crucial to understand that clinical trials also carry potential risks, and new treatments may not always be more effective than existing ones.
• Always have a thorough discussion with your oncologist to determine if a clinical trial is right for you.

Here are 5 organizations that are heavily involved in conducting and facilitating breast cancer clinical trials, and where you can find information about participating:

1. National Cancer Institute (NCI):
   • The NCI, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a major source for cancer clinical trials. Their website offers a comprehensive search tool to find trials based on cancer type, stage, and location.
   • You can find information on their website, cancer.gov, or by calling their information service.
2. Susan G. Komen:
   • Komen provides resources to help individuals find and participate in clinical trials. They offer information about understanding clinical trials and finding trials that may be right for you.
   • Their website, komen.org, has information, and they also have a patient care center that can help.
3. BreastCancerTrials.org:
   • This is a free, patient-friendly, non-profit clinical trial matching service. It helps people with any stage of breast cancer learn about and find clinical trials.
   • This is a very good resource for patients to utilize.
4. ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group:
   • This is a research group that designs and conducts cancer clinical trials. They work with cancer centers and hospitals across the country.
   • They conduct biomarker-driven research involving adults who have or are at risk of developing cancer.
   • You can learn more about their active trials on their website ecog-acrin.org.
5. ClinicalTrials.gov:
   • This is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. It provides information ¹ about a trial’s purpose, who can participate, and locations.