What are clinical trials? A clinical trial is a comparison of standard treatments to newer treatments in an effort to discover better methods for the treatment of cancer. These studies are done to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits to patients while watching for possible adverse reactions. Doctors, scientists and other health professionals administer the test(s) according to strict guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA establishes mandatory guidelines to ensure the maximum safety of the patient.
Clinical trials at Phoebe. We are currently running several clinical trials for various types of cancer in cooperation with a number of organizations that sponsor our trials. These include the Southwest Oncology  Group, Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. Our trials are monitored by a committee of doctors, nurses and local community leaders called an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that participants' rights are protected and FDA mandates are met.
Informed consent. The FDA requires that you are given complete information about any clinical trial that you are participating in or about to take part in.
The consent form should include:
The type of study
The drug or device used in the trial
The risk and benefits associated with the trial
Other alternative treatments
Additional tests that may be required
Note that informed consent is not a contract and that you retain the right to leave the clinical trial at any time.
For more information about clinical trials, please call the research department at the Phoebe Cancer Center at 229-312-0405. | 
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