National Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month
January is National Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month. Most people and patients are unaware of what clinical trials are. To help spread awareness about what a phase I trial is, why they can be beneficial for patients, and why they are worth considering, we spoke with a couple of people intimately involved in phase I trials. The first is Dr. Drew Rasco, a phase I doctor here at the START Center. The other person we spoke with is Linda, a patient at the START Center who is currently on a phase I trial for pancreatic cancer. We appreciate both of them for taking the time to share their information and experience.
If you know someone who is currently dealing with pancreatic cancer, please share this video with them so they can learn more about the benefits of a phase I trial. These trials are not for every patient, but we believe understanding all of your potential options is always a good practice.
It is important to remember that Linda’s testimonial is not a guarantee of what you may experience on a phase I trial. Every patient is different and each trial is unique. Our doctors are trained to conduct phase I trials and they will be sure to explain any risks associated with participating in a phase I trial. Please ask all the questions you may have when speaking with your current oncologist, or your phase I doctor if you are referred to one. In the resources below you can find a list of questions that are important to ask and think about when considering whether or not to participate in a phase I trial.
If you’d like to learn more about phase I trials conducted at the START Center, or you just want to learn more about phase I trials in general, please have a look at the list of resources below:
Information about phase I trials - thestartcenter.com - Information about Phase I trials conducted here at the START Center.
Clinical trials performed by the START Center - thestartcenter.com - Full list of clinical trials performed by the START Center across all cancer types.
What you need to know about clinical trials - Cancer.org - This article explains in detail what a phase I trial is, provides a very useful list of questions to ask if you are thinking about participating in a phase I trial, and also provides some very good information about frequently asked questions regarding phase I trials.