Clinical Trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study in  which people help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer treatment.

In the United States, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees human drug testing to safeguard the public from dangerous compounds.  Before new drugs can be made available to patients, the FDA mandates that these drugs undergo rigorous testing in the laboratory and in animal studies.

Each clinical trial is categorized into Phase 1, 2,  3 or 4.  Phase 1 involves testing a brand new treatment in humans. Phase 2  focuses on learning whether the new treatment has an effect on a particular cancer.  Phase 3 compares the new treatment with the current standard treatment.  Phase 4 further evaluates the long term safety and effectiveness of a new treatment. (source: National Cancer Institute)

Why do we need clinical trials?

Clinical trials are done to find out whether promising approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment are safe and effective.

Should you participate in a clinical trial?

Only you can make the decision whether to enroll in a clinical trial.  Learn as much as you can about your diagnosis and the treatments available to you.  Discuss this with your physician, nurse, family and friends, and together you can make the decision on the best treatment option.

Written information is provided to you prior to any study procedures in the form of a consent.  The consent explains in detail everything about the clinical trial, treatment and procedures while on study and any known side effects.

Ventura County Hematology-Oncology Specialists has clinical trials available which vary from month to month.  You may ask your doctor if you are eligible for any clinical trial.  Each trial is specific to a type of cancer.  For example, a new chemotherapy regimen may only be available for people with advanced lung cancer.  Therefore, not everyone is eligible for a research program. 

Participants of VCHOS and UCLA network clinical trials receive treatment either in the Ventura or Oxnard office.

For more information about VCHOS trials, please call Ruth Ann Begun at (805) 485-8709 ext 136 or email at rbegun@venturaoncology.com.   

For more information about UCLA network trials, please call  Pamela Riach, RN at (805) 485-8709 ext 129 or email at priach@mednet.ucla.edu.