Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer Treatment

Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people take part voluntarily). These include studies of ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat breast cancer; studies of the psychological effects of the disease; and studies of ways to improve comfort and quality of life.

Research already has led to significant advances in these areas, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches. People who take part in clinical trials have the first chance to benefit from new approaches. They also make important contributions to medical science.

Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers take very careful steps to protect people who take part.

Women who are interested in being part of a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. They may want to read the National Cancer Institute booklets Taking Part in clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need to Know or Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer Prevention Studies. These both describe how research studies are carried out and explain their possible benefits and risks.

NCI's cancerTrials Web site provides general information about clinical trials. It also offers detailed information about specific ongoing studies of breast cancer by linking to PDQ®, a cancer information database developed by the NCI.