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Cancer Research and Clinical Trials FAQs

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical treatment, drug, or approach is safe and effective. They help doctors discover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat health conditions.

Why Do Clinical Trials Matter?

Clinical trials are essential for advancing medicine. Every treatment we use today—from chemotherapy to the medicine you would take for a headache —once went through a clinical trial. By joining a study, patients can:

  • Access new treatments before they’re widely available
  • Help improve care for future patients
  • Be closely monitored by a research care team

What If I Get a Placebo?

Not all clinical trials use placebos, but if they do, it's usually because researchers need to compare a new treatment to the current standard—or to no treatment at all—to understand how well it works.

Here’s what you should know:

  • You’ll always be told up front if a placebo might be used in the study.
  • You won’t be denied care. If there’s already an effective treatment available, you won’t just receive a placebo instead of that treatment—your safety always comes first.
  • Your health is closely monitored throughout the study, whether you’re receiving the study treatment or a placebo.
  • You can leave a trial at any time for any reason—your participation is completely voluntary.

Still have questions? Our cancer research team is happy to talk with you.

Call with Questions or for More Information

Who Can Participate?

Each study has its own set of guidelines, but in general, participants may be:

  • Patients currently being treated for certain conditions
  • People at risk for certain conditions
  • Individuals willing to volunteer

Participation is always voluntary, and eligibility will be carefully reviewed by our research team.

Why Should I Participate in a Cancer Clinical Trial at HOA?

Clinical trial participation allows you access to new cancer treatments before they are widely available. Participating in a trial can also help others by contributing to cancer research. Cancer clinical trials have allowed for significant progress in developing innovative treatments for many different cancers, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.

How Do I Learn More or Get Referred?

If you’re interested in a clinical trial or want to refer a patient, please reach out to our Clinical Research Department at 315-472-7504, extension 1350 or speak to your doctor about your interest.