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In the past 30 years, the survival rate for cancer patients in the United States has increased by more than 30%. Early-stage diagnosis and advancements in treatments and detection are just a few of the reasons there are far fewer deaths caused by cancer. Clinical trials have played an important role in the advancements that are now saving more lives.
Clinical trials not only pave the way for the future, but patients who participate in this groundbreaking research today receive the latest treatments available, which can positively impact their outcomes.
So why do less than 5% of cancer patients choose to participate in clinical trials?
The answer is due to common myths that cancer experts hear and see daily. So, we’re breaking down the facts on clinical trials. First, let’s break down what clinical trials are and how they affect cancer research.
Clinical trials are studies that involve the careful research that takes place after promising results are seen in the laboratory. In this process, medical professionals closely and carefully conduct a study with a small group of people. They ensure the drug or treatment is not too strong and that every patient is kept safe.
This careful human research keeps medicine moving forward. These groundbreaking research studies are why new treatments exist for cancers that were previously considered incurable. Every cancer treatment, drug or therapy in place today started in a clinical trial.
Let’s debunk the three most common myths about clinical trials together.
Here’s the truth about clinical trials:
You have to give up your usual treatment to join a clinical trial.
Clinical trials expand treatment options.
Some people consider clinical trials a last resort, but this is and should not be the case. Patients who participate in clinical trials have the opportunity to receive the most up-to-date, innovative treatments available, personalized for their unique conditions. Studies consistently show that their outcomes are as good as — if not better than — those of the general patient population receiving standard treatments.
Clinical trials aren’t safe.
Clinical trials are safe.
Experienced health care professionals carefully monitor patients at every step of treatment, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration strictly manages all trials.
Clinical trials don’t make that big of a difference.
Clinical trials provide hope for cancer patients everywhere.
Every clinical trial improves our understanding of cancer. They help determine if a therapy, drug or procedure shows a better way of treating a particular cancer or improves a condition for which a treatment didn’t already exist. Because of difficulty finding patients, many clinical trials are delayed or closed, and, unfortunately, cancer research suffers.
With clinical trials, you can play an active role in your treatment plan and be part of the incredible incoming treatments that can change the world.
You don’t have to travel far to find a clinical trial in Florida.
Oncology care experts with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) have played a critical role in bringing more effective drugs to the marketplace and offering patients opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Over 300 clinical trials are available to FCS patients at any time in one of our three phase 1 drug development units or 32 research locations close to home throughout Florida. In recent years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute participation, prior to approval.
Learn more about our clinical trial offerings: FLCancer.com/ClinicalTrials.
WORLD-CLASS CANCER TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)
Celebrating its 40th year in 2024, FCS has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapy, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
Boca Raton
21020 State Road 7, Ste 200C
Boca Raton, FL 33428-1320
FLCancer.com/BocaRaton
Delray Beach
5130 West Linton Blvd, Ste B4
Delray Beach, FL 33484-6595
FLCancer.com/DelrayBeach
Lake Worth
4801 S Congress Ave, Ste 400
Palm Springs, FL 33461-4746
FLCancer.com/LakeWorth
Palm Beach Gardens
3401 PGA Blvd, Ste 200
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-2824
FLCancer.com/PalmBeachGardens
Wellington North
1037 S State Road 7, Ste 303
Wellington, FL 33414-6140
West Palm Beach, FL 33401-3406
FLCancer.com/WellingtonNorth
West Palm Beach
1309 N Flagler Dr
West Palm Beach, FL 33401-3406
FLCancer.com/WestPalmBeach
For more information, visit FLCancer.com.
