What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are designed to find new or better ways to treat, prevent or screen for a medical condition.  These trials involve human participants to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new approaches/ treatments for diseases, including cancer. 
In clinical trials, patients receive specific interventions according to a research plan, such as new drugs or devices, procedures, and even changes to patients’ behavior (diet). Researchers are always exploring different combinations of therapies, whether it be introducing a new drug or using a standard (approved) treatment in a new way to find the best and most effective approach to treating patients.

Should I participate in a clinical trial?

There are many different reasons why people decide to participate in clinical trials. In the past, it was mainly due to standard treatments not being as effective as they should be, or the side effects were too severe.  But today, due to the innovations in research and the effectiveness of new drugs with fewer side effects the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated their guidelines, where clinical trials are recommended as the best management for cancer patients.
Participating in clinical trials can present both benefits and risks, and it is important to stay informed, and to speak with your loved ones and doctors to decide if a clinical trial is right for you. 

5 benefits of participating in a clinical trial: 

1. You will get access to the newest treatments
   You might receive access to the latest treatment options before they become available.
2. You are carefully monitored by health care professionals
   You are carefully monitored by a medical team, every step of the way
3. You play an important role in your healthcare
   You are taking an active role in your health
4. You become a part of the future of medicine
   You are participating in research that could bring medical advances to cancer treatment
5. You can receive free or low-cost treatment
   Clinical trials often (not always) cover costs related to research treatments

What are the eligibility criteria for trials?

In order to be able to join a clinical trial, a patient must meet a list of requirements (trial eligibility criteria), which include, among others: 

• Gender
• Age
• Overall health
• Treatment history 
• Disease stage

Why is eligibility criteria important?

Eligibility criteria for trials are used to help identify patients with a specific disease profile that is intended for the investigated treatment in the trial. This is used by researchers to ensure patients do not have any outstanding conditions that may impact the trial results.

How do I find cancer clinical trials?

Finding clinical trials can be a long process, where less than 5% of cancer patients are enrolled in trials. This could be due to the lack of suitable patient-friendly tools that help identify trials that match current medical conditions. 

How can TrialJectory help?

We collect your disease profile and match it to trial eligibility criteria. We do the hard work for you, as we know how difficult it is to browse through those complicated medical terms and find the right match for you.
First, we provide you with a list of trials that are right for you. The next step is for you to review and share these options (if you would like)  with your doctors. From there, you decide which one you would like to apply to. We will then connect you to a trial site and help facilitate all communications in order to ensure you get access to the best treatment. 

I want to enroll in a trial, what do I do?

You have come to the right place, we are here to help. Our job is to make the process of finding a clinical trial simple, as we search clinical trials for you and match them with your individual disease profile. If you would like to get started, click here. Once you have been matched, we will help you apply to the trial, and get started. 

Who can I contact?

If you need assistance in learning more about the clinical trial process or have any questions, please contact our clinical team. You can click the Need Help button on the bottom right corner on our website or send us an email. We are here for you.