Clinical trials: myths vs facts

There are many myths, false ideas and distrust surrounding clinical trials in the medical field, and the questions we are wondering are not a public notoriety. To help destigmatize the participation of clinical trials, especially within the black community, we contacted the Leana Laraque industry professional, a The program coordinator who carried out community awareness on clinical trials and blood cancers for eight years, to give us an overview.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study that tests treatment to understand how and if it works and if implications follow. Clinical trials may include treatment drugs, medical devices or social experiences such as support groups and group therapy. Real people willingly participate.

Myth: Participants in the clinical trial are treated as guinea pigs or laboratory rats.

Fact: Participation in a clinical trial is 100% at will. Participants are fully aware of each part of a clinical trial and sign consent forms to ensure that they are informed. Even the slightest adjustment to a study requires reporting new consent forms. In addition, participants can choose to abandon a clinic at any time from the study without financial or other repercussions.

Myth: Clinical trials are only for those who have lacked treatment options.

Fact: Clinical trials are not always a treatment option at the last obligation. Sometimes it is the first choice, especially if your health care provider thinks that the treatment will be the most beneficial for you.

Myth: Patients cannot receive regular care from their principal doctor if they are in a clinical trial.

Fact: You must continue to see your primary care provider (PCP) and let them know that you are participating in a clinical trial. This will help you and researchers to brush a full table of how the treatment is (or does not work).

Myth: Being in a clinical trial will affect my medical insurance.

Fact: The insurance coverage is disclosed during the screening of the participation. Additional tests or analyzes required during clinical trials which are not covered by insurance are often covered by the funding provided for the trial. In addition, from January 2022, certain Medicaid plans are necessary to cover the care costs of routine patients for those who participate in eligible clinical trials.

Myth: Medicines and treatment of a clinical trial are less effective than those of the doctor’s office.

Made: “We do not know if the drugs or treatments in clinical trials are more effective than the current care standard, which is why clinical trials are so important – they allow us to see if new drugs or treatments are more effective than already available,” explains Laraque.

“There is a chance that they are more effective, as effective or less effective, and that’s what clinical trials aim to discover.”

Myth: Participation in a clinical trial will make your information public and your safety will be compromised.

Fact: “All efforts are made to ensure patient safety during clinical trials,” says Laraque. Each patient receives an identification number so that sensitive information such as name, date of birth, etc. are not compromised. Participants are also highly monitored and have access to a full team of research nurses, doctors and coordinators to ensure that they are in good health and able to continue to cross the clinical trial.

Myth: The results of clinical trials are biased because researchers want their study or treatment approved.

Fact: According to Laraque, “clinical trials are strongly monitored by institutional examination committees, data monitoring and security committees and depending on the study, a sponsor of the organization. If a continuous clinical trial shows more prejudice than profit for patients, then the study will be stopped even if it is earlier than expected. If patients are under unexpected studies, research will also be stopped. To prove that new treatments work if the data does not support this. »»

Participation in a clinical trial may feel foreign. However, you may be assured that this process is strongly monitored, patients and the research process are examined and that patient safety is the highest priority. If you can help improve health, well-being and treatments for your community, ask questions if you plan to get involved. Think of the difference it can do in your life or the lives of others.