Clinical Trial Support Center (CTSC)

A patient’s response to treatment can vary due to a number of factors including age, gender, genetics, ethnic origin, and weight. These differences can play a role in the safety and effectiveness of a medication since differences among people can lead to different responses to the same medication. It is essential to test treatments in a diverse population to ensure the results of the study are relevant to the general population. 

Placebos are not used in cancer clinical trials unless they are given along with an active drug. It is unethical to give someone solely a placebo if there is a treatment available that could work. If a placebo is part of the treatment in a clinical trial, you will be told in advance and your doctor will discuss the drug regimen in further detail with you. 

Clinical trials are highly regulated to ensure that patient safety is at the forefront of every trial. Patients enrolled in clinical trials are watched closely by the trial doctor, as well as by other members of their medical team, to ensure their safety. Every trial must follow a carefully designed treatment plan called a protocol, which details the care of the patient while on trial. Every center participating in a trial must adhere to the protocol to ensure patient safety and accurate data collection. All trials are overseen by an institutional review board that conducts reviews and audits to ensure adherence to the protocol and patient safety standards.

Clinical trials are appropriate treatment options for different types of patients, depending on the purpose and phase of the trial. It is important to speak to your doctor or your healthcare team about clinical trials. You can also work one-on-one with an Blood Cancer United Clinical Trial Nurse Navigator who will assist you throughout the entire clinical trial process. Our Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators are registered oncology nurses with expertise in blood cancers and clinical trials. 

Your Blood Cancer United Clinical Trial Nurse Navigator is an extension of your healthcare team. We perform a thorough assessment of your diagnostic and treatment history, prior medical history, and any non-clinical factors that may influence your ability to participate in a trial, such as geographic, financial, or social considerations. We encourage shared decision-making between the patient and their healthcare team and are available to help overcome barriers to clinical trial enrollment. 

Clinical trials are available for every stage of disease (newly diagnosed, relapsed/refractory, maintenance, remission and into survivorship). Talking with your healthcare team about clinical trials during every treatment discussion is important.