How do you counsel patients who are candidates for a clinical trial regarding their options?

Topics: Hematologic Malignancies • Radiation Oncology • Gynecologic Cancers • Pediatric Oncology • Medical Oncology • Hematology

Specifically, are there strategies you use to 1) empower patients to participate in decision-making and 2) reassure patients who may be skeptical?

Answer from: at Academic Institution

I typically discuss the option with patients as early as possible in their diagnosis, and explain that at some point during their treatment they may become a candidate for a clinical trial. I discuss resources to look into clinical trials and what they mean for patients. We discuss patient website r...

Comments

Medical Oncologist at Sweetwater Regional Medical Center
Excellent points, thanks. I would add that I point...

Answer from: Medical Oncologist at Academic Institution

I agree with Dr. @Devin T. Miller's comments. In addition, for patients with metastatic disease, I tell them that each time we need to make a change of therapy we will discuss standard options and clinical trial options. I also take time to explain the clinical trial life cycle of Phase I, II,...

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