What to Expect From a Clinical Trial
- Clinical trials test out new treatments or combinations of treatments for multiple myeloma.
- You can join one of these studies at any stage of treatment, from diagnosis to relapse.
- To find a study in your area, ask your oncologist or visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
RELATED: A Guide to Developing a Multiple Myeloma Treatment Plan
Read MoreWhat to Know About Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that give investigators an opportunity to:- Test new drugs to see how safe and effective they are compared to the standard treatment for multiple myeloma.
- Try out new combinations of already approved medications.
- Evaluate treatments that have been approved for other diseases, to see if they help with multiple myeloma.
- Phase 1 determines the safety and dose.
- Phase 2 evaluates the safety and effectiveness.
- Phase 3 compares the new treatment against a standard treatment for multiple myeloma.
Some people worry that they'll get an inactive treatment called a placebo in a clinical trial. In cancer studies you'll typically get some treatment. But it might be the standard treatment for your cancer, instead of the one under investigation.
When Can I Enroll?
You might think that a clinical trial is a last resort when all other treatments have failed. That isn’t true. "I tell my patients that there is a clinical trial available at every stage of the disease," Dr. Madan says.
RELATED: CAR T-Cell Therapy — A Promising New Approach to Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
You can enroll in one of these studies when you're newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. You can participate when you're in the maintenance phase of treatment. Or you can sign up after your cancer has relapsed one or more times. These studies are important at all stages of the disease.
How Do I Find a Trial?
"The best way of finding out about trials is, first and foremost, to connect with a myeloma physician. It’s very important that you see a doctor who specializes in treating multiple myeloma patients," Dr. Madan advises.
A multiple myeloma specialist may be working on their own clinical trial. If not, they can refer you to other doctors who are involved in research.
Another way to find a clinical trial is to talk with a patient navigator at your cancer hospital. Or, you can search through all of the ongoing multiple myeloma studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, or through the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
What to Expect
Before you can enroll in a study, you'll have to qualify. Researchers have certain specifications that they want all participants to meet. Study requirements are based on things like:
- Your age
- Your health
- Your type of cancer
- Which treatments you've already tried
You may need to undergo an exam, and have blood and imaging tests to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Before you commit to participating, make sure you're clear on how the study can help you. Also find out what possible side effects the new treatment might cause.
RELATED: Managing a Multiple Myeloma Relapse
You also want to know often you'll need to meet with the study doctors and nurses, and who will pay for any treatments you receive. Sometimes studies will cover the full cost of participation. They might even compensate you for your time.
Discuss any questions you have with the principal investigator in charge of the study, and the oncologist who treats your multiple myeloma. And go into the study with open eyes. There's no guarantee that the new treatment will work for you. Know that you have the right to quit at any time if the drug doesn't help, or it causes side effects that you can't tolerate.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
