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No other field of medicine is changing as rapidly as oncology. Over the past decade, literally dozens of new medicines and new approaches for treating cancer have been developed, and this has resulted in many more people surviving cancer than ever before. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2020, there are over 15 million cancer survivors in the United States, and approximately two million of them have survived for 20 years or longer. Some of the reasons cancer survival rates have dramatically increased can be linked directly to such things as improvements in early detection methods, more advanced therapies, and genetic research and clinical trials, which are responsible for developing more effective drugs.
The future cures for various types of cancer will all come from clinical research, yet not many adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Why? In some instances, it is because clinical trials are misunderstood and patients may fear being “a guinea pig.” In clinical trials for a life-threatening disease like cancer, no one who participates in a clinical trial is ever treated like a guinea pig. In fact, such great precautions are taken on behalf of patients who participate in clinical trials that, many times, their cancer treatment goes beyond standard care protocols.
Debunking the Myths
Aside from the misunderstanding about being a guinea pig, patients who are considering participating in a clinical trial for cancer are often concerned that they might be given a placebo or a drug that will prove to be ineffective. The truth is that in some types of clinical trials (specifically those that are investigating something simple such as a new cold medication) some participants are given only a placebo. However, in clinical trials for cancer, a participant is never given anything less than the current standard of care.
All participants in oncologic clinical trials will be given the best standard treatment available for their particular type of cancer … then in addition to that standard treatment, they may be given the new drug that is being tested or a placebo. No participant is ever given a placebo alone.
No other field of medicine is changing as rapidly as oncology. Over the past decade, literally dozens of new medicines and new approaches for treating cancer have been developed, and this has resulted in many more people surviving cancer than ever before. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2020, there are over 15 million cancer survivors in the United States, and approximately two million of them have survived for 20 years or longer. Some of the reasons cancer survival rates have dramatically increased can be linked directly to such things as improvements in early detection methods, more advanced therapies, and genetic research and clinical trials, which are responsible for developing more effective drugs.
The future cures for various types of cancer will all come from clinical research, yet not many adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Why? In some instances, it is because clinical trials are misunderstood and patients may fear being “a guinea pig.” In clinical trials for a life-threatening disease like cancer, no one who participates in a clinical trial is ever treated like a guinea pig. In fact, such great precautions are taken on behalf of patients who participate in clinical trials that, many times, their cancer treatment goes beyond standard care protocols.
Debunking the Myths
Aside from the misunderstanding about being a guinea pig, patients who are considering participating in a clinical trial for cancer are often concerned that they might be given a placebo or a drug that will prove to be ineffective. The truth is that in some types of clinical trials (specifically those that are investigating something simple such as a new cold medication) some participants are given only a placebo. However, in clinical trials for cancer, a participant is never given anything less than the current standard of care.
All participants in oncologic clinical trials will be given the best standard treatment available for their particular type of cancer … then in addition to that standard treatment, they may be given the new drug that is being tested or a placebo. No participant is ever given a placebo alone.
Increased Participation in Clinical Trials Means Faster Approval for New Treatments
According to the American Cancer Society, there are many hundreds of promising new cancer drugs and therapies currently undergoing research. The average time for a new drug to be approved is seven years, and many times clinical trials cannot be conducted because of a lack of patient participation. If more cancer patients participated in clinical trials, there would be more new drugs available sooner in the future. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of finding the cures for cancer.
Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) is a recipient of the national ASCO Clinical Trial Participation Award and a strategic partner of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, one of the largest clinical trial organizations in the U.S. As such, FCS offers access to more national clinical trials than any other private oncology practice in Florida … and, if you qualify to participate in a clinical trial, you can do so in the comfort and convenience of your local FCS cancer center.
World-Class Cancer Treatment Close to Home
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has a statewide network of expert, board-certified physicians who bring world-class cancer treatments to local communities, both large and small, throughout Florida. With nearly 100 locations, FCS is the largest independent
oncology/hematology group in the United States. That status puts the practice on the leading edge of clinical trial research and gives FCS physicians access to the newest, most innovative treatments.
Florida Cancer Specialists treats patients with all types of cancer, and offers a number of services, such as an in-house specialty pharmacy, an in-house pathology lab and financial counselors at every location, that deliver the most advanced and personalized care in your local community.
Hudson
7651 Medical Drive
Hudson, FL 34667
Hudson North
14100 Fivay Road, Suite 380
Hudson, FL 34667
New Port Richey
8763 River Crossing Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL 34655
New Port Richey West
5802 State Road 54
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Wesley Chapel:
26823 Tanic Drive
Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544
Zephyrhills
38010 Medical Center Ave
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
