About Clinical Trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram

Clinical trials help researchers develop better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. They are essential for determining whether promising discoveries made in the laboratory can safely and effectively improve patient care. Every standard cancer treatment available today was first evaluated through a clinical trial.

Clinical trials provide access to innovative treatments and new approaches to managing cancer and treatment-related side effects. Participation is a personal decision that should be made after discussing your diagnosis, treatment options, and goals with your oncology team.

Clinical trials often involve treatments that are still being studied, which means there may be less information available about their effectiveness and potential side effects. Some studies may also require additional clinic visits, blood tests, imaging, biopsies, or other procedures beyond what is typically required with standard treatment.

The best way to learn about clinical trial opportunities is to speak with your physician. You can also search for studies through the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Clinical Trials webpage or visit ClinicalTrials.gov to explore studies available worldwide. Every trial has specific eligibility requirements, so it is important to discuss potential options with your care team.

In many cases, the study sponsor, such as a pharmaceutical company, research cooperative group, or funding agency, covers costs related to the investigational treatment and study-specific procedures. Standard medical care and routine treatments are generally billed to insurance. Your research team will review any potential costs with you before you enroll.

Treatment schedules vary by study. Some clinical trials continue treatment as long as it is helping and side effects remain manageable, while others involve a specific number of treatment cycles.

Visit schedules also differ from study to study. Your research team will provide a clear schedule outlining expected appointments, tests, and treatments before you begin.

The risks and side effects depend on the specific clinical trial and treatment being studied. Because some therapies are new, less may be known about their side effects. Before enrolling, your care team will review potential risks, answer your questions, and provide instructions on whom to contact if side effects occur.

Before joining a clinical trial, you will receive a detailed informed consent document that explains the purpose of the study, possible benefits and risks, study procedures, and your rights as a participant. You will have time to review the information, discuss it with your physician and loved ones, and ask questions before deciding whether to participate.

Most cancer clinical trials do not use a placebo alone in place of treatment. If a placebo is part of a study, the details and purpose will be clearly explained during the informed consent process. Your care team can help you understand how the study is designed and what treatment options you may receive.

One common misconception is that clinical trials are only a last resort. In reality, clinical trials are available across many stages of cancer care and at all points along the treatment journey. Some patients participate in a trial as their first treatment, while others may enroll later depending on their diagnosis and treatment goals.