Clinical Trials

Clinical trials enable cancer researchers and physicians to test new and cutting-edge approaches for diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer. Although experimental, treatments offered through clinical trials may provide patients with improved outcomes over available, “standard-of-care” treatments.

Cancer patients and their families should gather as much information as needed in order to be able to make an informed decision about participating in a clinical trial. Further information about clinical trials is available on the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center patient care website.

Answers to Common Questions About Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They are used to test new treatments, find new ways to diagnose disease, and even learn ways to prevent disease. Cancer clinical trials are how scientists can improve cancer care and outcomes.

Clinical trials aren’t for everyone. Most have strict criteria for who can enter. But many people not only benefit themselves by joining a trial, but they also advance our overall understanding of cancer. That improves future care for everyone.