Information and Resources from the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center

Help Wanted:
Patients key to advancing cancer treatment through clinical research

A 2008 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that when patients were asked to participate in a cancer research study, 75% agreed. And yet nationwide, only 3% to 5%A 2008 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that when patients were asked to participate in a cancer research study, 75 percent agreed. And yet nationwide, only 3 percent to 5 percent of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Clinical trials are essential to the discovery of new cancer treatments. So why do so few patients participate? We talked with Maha Hussain, M.D., associate director of clinical research at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, to learn more.

Q: can you explain what a clinical trial is?

A: A clinical trial is a research study in which patients partner with physicians to find better ways to improve cancer treatment or outcomes. Each trial attempts to answer a scientific question relevant to the care of the patient. Broadly speaking, studies seek better ways to prevent cancer, to diagnose cancer early, to treat it better, or to improve quality of life by reducing pain and other cancer-related symptoms.

Q: Why should a patient participate in a clinical trial?

A: There are many situations where there is no standard treatment available or it doesn't work well. Unless there's a partnership between doctors and patients, the status quo of poor outcomes will continue forever. Curing testicular cancer in younger men is now possible because patients were part of early phase clinical trials that showed certain drugs worked well. This is also true for breast cancer and several other adult and childhood malignancies. Unless we investigate new treatments in clinical trials, there will not be better treatment.

Q: Why don't more patients participate?

A: There are several factors, including the availability of clinical trials where patients are getting their cancer care as well as the willingness of a patient's physician to offer a clinical trial as part of the overall care. Patients may have concerns about the toxicity or cost of participating in a research study. Also, some people are worried that they may be used as guinea pigs. That is certainly not the case. Patients are equal partners in the whole process.

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