Clinical Trials

HOA is dedicated to finding new and more effective treatments for cancer through clinical research. Since 1986, HOA has participated in the National Cancer Institute Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). We are one of only 50 such participants in the United States. Our patients therefore can benefit from clinical trials of state-of-the-art cancer treatments that are unavailable anywhere else in upstate NY. (The closest CCOP participants are located in Long Island and Pennsylvania.)

For more information on the CCOP visit the National Cancer Institute.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE CLINICAL TRIALS?

WHY ARE CLINICAL TRIALS IMPORTANT?

SHOULD I TAKE PART IN A CLINICAL TRIAL?

HOW LONG IS THE STUDY?

WHAT IS INFORMED CONSENT?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

WILL MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY DOCTOR BE AFFECTED IF I ELECT TO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY?

WHAT IF AFTER I START TREATMENT I CHANGE MY MIND AND WANT TO STOP PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY?

HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE STUDY/INVESTIGATIONAL DRUG IS WORKING?

WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS?

What are the benefits?

While a clinical trial is a good choice for some people, this treatment option has possible benefits and drawbacks. You should discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and people closest to you:

 

PROS

  1. Clinical trials offer high-quality cancer care.
  2. You may be among the first to benefit from new treatments.
  3. In considering various treatment options, you are taking an active role in your health, which in itself can have psychological benefits.
  4. You have the chance to help others and improve cancer treatment.

CONS

  1. New treatments under study do not always improve upon existing treatments. They may have side effects that doctors do not expect or that are worse than those of standard treatment(s).
  2. Even if a new treatment has benefits, it may not work for you. (However, even standard treatments that have proven effective for many people do not help everyone.)