Part III - Making Critical Decisions on Cancer Therapy Options h. If late stage cancer diagnosis, a review of clinical trial data and the pros and cons of each
The link above discusses clinical trials in great detail.In summary, Phase I trials are attempting to determine if a drug has any efficacy against cancer.Phase II trials are attempting to determine the proper dosages and once that is determined, Phase III trials are conducted across a greater population for conclusive evidence that a particular drug or combination are effective at fighting cancer.Another aspect of clinical trials is that they can be double blind randomized trials where participants are not informed if they are receiving the drug or an alternate or a placebo.Thus, Phase III nonrandomized trials are the most preferable if available.Another important factor about clinical trials is that some are closed to patients who have received prior treatment and others are only available to those who have failed other treatment.