Enhanced Standard of Care

Article Posted by Posting Guru..

 

The words “clinical trial” and “experiment” are often use interchangeably. Dr. Allyson Ocean would rather see “opportunity” used in place of “experiment.”

The Weill Cornell Medicine medical oncologist in New York City urges that her patients be given every opportunity to participate in treatments that are based on the most recent, high-quality scientific research. This frequently entails taking part in a clinical trial. And in spite of certain anxieties, it does not imply that patients must forgo the present standard of care. According to Ocean, it is “standard of care plus.”

Even the placebo or control group in clinical trials receives the most up-to-date standard of care. They’re receiving something in the therapy group that, according to research, might actually improve it.

 

“I want to make sure that all of the options are available to my patients. It typically takes new medications at least five years to reach the market. If you participate in a trial, you might get the chance to benefit far sooner,” says Ocean.

What Is Unique About Clinical Trials?

 

Clinical trials are medical research studies that examine novel therapies, therapeutic approaches, or novel medical equipment to see whether they are secure and beneficial for patients. By the time clinical trials are ready to begin enrolling patients, they have already undergone significant pre-testing in the lab and been rigorously scrutinised by regulatory and scientific boards.

 

These forums are still keeping an eye on the trial as it is taking place. They can quickly end the trial and notify more subjects if any side effects exceed those of the conventional therapy.

 

In addition to keeping trial participants safe, this increased focus may also have additional advantages. There have been studies that suggest patients who are enrolled in clinical trials—regardless of which arm they are in—might have better outcomes than might be anticipated for patients who are not enrolled in clinical trials. This may be because they are managed and monitored that much more closely than patients who are not enrolled in clinical trials.

 

Does It Work?

 

Ocean takes care to allay people’ worries when outlining a potential trial. Many are concerned with possible negative repercussions. Will this course of treatment be effective for me? Will I need to visit the clinic frequently and undergo additional testing? How does this affect my finances?

 

“I tell them the truth. We don’t know if the medicine will ultimately be beneficial because it’s in a trial. However, regardless of whether you are participating in a trial or not, there is no guarantee that any treatment you receive will be effective, says Ocean.

 

Before beginning a clinical trial, doctors might obtain insurance permission to ensure that the patient’s insurance would pay for all standard of care expenses associated with the tests being performed. Some clinical trials may also pay for travel to the study location.

 

Others worry about the role that pharmaceutical firms will have in the process. According to Ocean, there are several laws and guidelines in place to prevent conflicts of interest between medical professionals and pharmaceutical firms.

 

Last resort or first choice?

 

Clinical trials are sometimes viewed as a last resort for individuals who have tried every other form of treatment. However, trials are frequently conducted during later stages of treatment. The many study types are highlighted in our Clinical Trials section.

 

Whether you’re thinking about participating in a clinical trial, ask your doctor if they know of any. They should visit support groups or websites like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network online. They ought to consult with their colleagues and other medical professionals, perhaps seeking a second or third opinion from other doctors who may be familiar with clinical studies.

 

“We are aware that some of the conventional treatments we now employ only benefit a portion of individuals. Some of them have negative side effects. Although we have come a long way, we still aim to improve. The only way to do that, according to Ocean, is to rigorously test new treatments.

 

She continues, “Benefits might go beyond the personal.” Patients frequently engage knowing that it might benefit future patients as well as themselves, according to Ocean. I’m pleased of the part patients have played in advancing research, extending treatment results, and improving outcomes, and I admire their bravery, compassion, and trust.

 

Learn more about: Clinical Trial Insurance