Did You Know?

Some people don’t participate in clinical trials because they assume they’ll be ‘experimented on’ like a guinea pig or that it’s a last resort. During January, Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month, we’ll debunk these myths (and others!) surrounding clinical trials and explain why these trials are so important. True or False: Clinical trials are for patients who have run out of options. Clinical trials are research studies that investigate new treatments or combinations of existing treatments to determine if they are beneficial to people living with pancreatic cancer. Every treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial. PanCAN strongly recommends clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision because they give early access to cutting-edge treatments that can lead to progress in research and better outcomes for patients. Scott Nelson, a pancreatic cancer survivor, understands the value of clinical trials. “If I hadn’t stopped to consider my options, including clinical trials, I wouldn’t be alive,” says Nelson, who was diagnosed at age 50 and credits a successful recovery in part to a clinical trial. “I wouldn’t have met my grandchildren.” Read Scott’s story. CLINICAL TRIAL MYTHS: Myth #1: Patients are treated like guinea pigs. Fact: Patient safety is a top priority and patients have rights that protect them. Myth #2: Clinical trials are for patients who have run out of options. Fact: A clinical trial is always an option, regardless of when the patient was diagnosed or what treatments they received. Myth #3: Patients may receive a placebo, not a treatment. Fact: Placebos are never used in place of standard of care. The patient will always receive either standard of care or the investigational treatment. Myth #4: Clinical trials are more expensive for the patient. Fact: Federal law requires most insurance plans cover the routine costs of a clinical trial. Research costs are typically covered by the trial sponsor. Myth #5: Participation in clinical trials is not important. Fact: Involvement is crucial. Clinical trials give us insight and lead us to better ways to prevent, detect and understand the disease. Clinical trials offer promise of a brighter future, bringing progress and improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Lynn Matrisian, PhD, MBA Chief Science Officer Contact PanCAN Patient Services for free, in-depth clinical trials information and resources — including a personalized clinical trials search. DONATE NOW