At Affiliated Oncologists, our approach to treating lung cancer starts with a careful assessment of which treatments are most likely to work for you and creating a personalized treatment plan. An important part of the treatment planning process is considering newer treatment options. That’s why our cancer specialists are committed to exploring new treatment therapies and innovative diagnostic tools through clinical research. This includes lung cancer research and clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer in Chicago Ridge
Clinical trials are a big part of improving treatments for all types of lung cancer. Each trial shares a common goal, which is to help researchers learn whether or not new lung cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment protocols currently available to patients. It’s through clinical trials that researchers are able to gather this information.
Many clinical trials focus on finding treatments that show promise for improving survivorship. This could be done by studying new treatment options or different combinations of existing treatments and therapies. Ultimately, cancer research is conducted to help determine if there are new and better treatment options for patients based on their type of cancer and its stage.
Through the clinical trials that Affiliated Oncologists participate in, we are able to contribute to the development of new and better ways to treat lung cancer for not just our patients but also for patients across the country. Learn more about what you need to know if you are considering participating in a clinical trial for cancer treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about available clinical trials for lung cancer in the South Chicago area, view our list of cancer clinical trials available or request an appointment by clicking below.
Would I Benefit From a Clinical Trial for Lung Cancer?
Participating in a clinical trial is a personal choice and one that should be considered carefully. Therefore, it’s important that you meet with your doctor to discuss whether or not you could benefit from a clinical trial. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone can participate. For safety reasons, certain guidelines are set in place to identify appropriate participants. Whether or not you meet the criteria depends on certain factors including your age, gender, previous treatment history, and the stage or types of your lung cancer. Before you are able to join a clinical trial, you must first qualify for the study. A member of the Affiliated Oncologists research team will be able to tell you if there is an available trial you can participate in. For many patients, cancer research trials are offered after a standard treatment protocol has been tried, or after the cancer has returned.
While there can be certain advantages with clinical trials, it’s important to understand that there can be certain disadvantages as well, including more appointments, increased testing, and the possibility that the newer treatment might be ineffective. If a cancer research trial is suggested for you, it’s a good idea to discuss the pros and cons with your oncologist and also with your family or support partner(s) before making a final decision.
Leading Edge Research, Better Results
Affiliated Oncologists also participate in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research and one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. It has conducted more than 600 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today.
Currently, lung cancer clinical trials are available at Affiliated Oncologists locations throughout the suburbs of South Chicago, including Chicago Ridge and Orland Park, IL. For more information on clinical trials available, contact your care team at Affiliated Oncologists directly at one of our locations.