For those interested in participating in clinical research, understanding what clinical trials are available and how to find them is crucial. Clinical trials are conducted across a wide range of medical fields and serve various purposes, from testing new drugs to studying disease prevention strategies. Clinical trials are conducted at universities, medical centers, and hospitals, and can be sponsored by a range of organizations. Health care providers also play a significant role in sponsoring and conducting clinical trials.
As a clinical trial network, M3 Wake Research is here to help you potentially find clinical trials that may be beneficial to your help. This blog will guide you through the types of clinical trials available, how to find them, and what to consider when deciding to see if you qualify.
Types of Clinical Trials by Condition
There are a variety of clinical trials regularly enrolling candidates to test the efficacy and safety of potential new treatments, therapies, devices, and more for the healthcare field. Clinical trials are categorized by the medical condition or disease they aim to study. Here are some common types of clinical trials based on disease areas:
Oncology Clinical Trials
These trials focus on cancer treatments, including new chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapies, immunotherapies, and targeted therapies. Oncology trials may also study ways to prevent cancer or manage its symptoms.
Neurology Clinical Trials
Neurology trials study diseases of the nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. These trials often explore new drugs, rehabilitation techniques, and diagnostic tools.
Infectious Disease Clinical Trials
Infectious disease trials study the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Examples include trials for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and emerging infections like COVID-19.
Cardiovascular Clinical Trials
These trials investigate treatments for heart-related conditions, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart failure. They may involve new medications, lifestyle interventions, or medical devices like stents and pacemakers.
Endocrinology Clinical Trials
These trials focus on diseases related to the endocrine system, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis. They may investigate new medications, insulin delivery systems, or dietary approaches.
Rare Disease Clinical Trials
Rare disease trials, also known as orphan disease trials, study conditions that affect a small percentage of the population. These trials are crucial for developing treatments for diseases that may not receive as much attention due to their rarity.
Psychiatry Clinical Trials
These trials explore treatments for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. They may involve new medications, psychotherapy approaches, or brain stimulation techniques.
Clinical Trials by Phase
Clinical trials are also categorized by phase, with each phase serving a specific purpose in the drug development process. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure participant safety and adherence to regulatory standards before any trial commences:
Phase I: Safety Trials
Phase I trials are the first stage of testing in humans and involve a small group of participants. The primary goal is to determine the safety and optimal dosage of a new treatment. These trials are typically conducted with healthy volunteers or patients with the disease being studied.
Phase II: Efficacy Trials
Phase II trials involve a larger group of participants and aim to assess the efficacy of the treatment, as well as continue monitoring for side effects. These trials help determine whether the treatment is effective for a particular condition.
Phase III: Comparative Trials
Phase III trials involve thousands of participants and compare the new treatment to existing standard treatments or placebos. These trials provide the data needed for regulatory approval with national institutes and are crucial for confirming the treatment’s safety and effectiveness.
Phase IV: Post-Marketing Studies
Phase IV trials are conducted after a treatment has been approved and is on the market. These studies gather additional information on the treatment’s long-term safety, effectiveness, and optimal use in the general population.
How to Find Clinical Trials
Finding a clinical trial that suits your medical needs and interests involves several resources and strategies. While we invite you to explore the below options to learn more about finding clinical trials, we also invite you to use our Find a Trial tool, where we can pair you with an enrolling clinical trial that may suit your needs and matches your condition.
Online Databases
The most comprehensive way to find clinical trials is through online databases. Websites like ClinicalTrials.gov provide detailed information about ongoing and upcoming trials, including eligibility criteria, study locations, and contact information. These databases allow you to search for trials by condition, treatment, location, and phase.
Pharmaceutical Company Websites
Pharmaceutical companies sponsor many clinical trials, particularly those testing new drugs and medical devices. Visiting the websites of major pharmaceutical companies can provide information about trials they are conducting, including eligibility requirements and how to enroll.
Research Institutions and Hospitals
Many research institutions and hospitals conduct clinical trials. You can often find information about trials by visiting their websites or contacting their research departments. These institutions may specialize in certain areas of medicine, such as oncology or neurology, and offer trials related to those fields.
Patient Advocacy Groups
Many patient advocacy organizations maintain lists of clinical trials relevant to their disease area. These groups can be valuable resources for finding trials and understanding the potential benefits and risks of participation.
Consulting with Your Healthcare Provider
Your doctor or specialist can be an excellent resource for finding clinical trials that are appropriate for your condition. Healthcare providers often have access to information about local trials and can help determine whether a specific trial is a good fit for you.
Criteria for Clinical Trial Participation
Each clinical trial has specific criteria that determine who can participate. These criteria are designed to ensure that the clinical research study results are reliable and that participants are safe. The criteria generally include:
Inclusion Criteria
These are the factors that must be met for someone to participate in the trial. They may include age, gender, disease type, stage of the disease, and previous treatment history.
Exclusion Criteria
These are the factors that disqualify someone from participating in the trial. Exclusion criteria may include certain medical conditions, allergies to the study medication, or recent participation in another clinical trial.
Understanding the inclusion and exclusion criteria is essential before enrolling in a clinical trial. If you’re interested in a specific trial, review these criteria carefully or discuss them with the study’s coordinator or your healthcare provider.
How to Assess a Clinical Trial’s Suitability
When considering participating in a clinical trial, it’s important to assess whether the trial is suitable for your situation. Here are some key factors to consider:
Relevance to Your Condition
Ensure that the trial is studying a treatment or intervention relevant to your medical condition. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes, a trial focused on cardiovascular disease may not be the best fit unless it specifically includes patients with diabetes.
Time Commitment
Clinical trials often require a significant time commitment, including regular visits to the trial site, follow-up appointments, and adherence to the study protocol. Make sure you are comfortable with the time commitment required.
Trial Duration
Consider the duration of the trial and whether you can commit to participating for the entire study period. Some trials last only a few months, while others may continue for several years.
Study Location
Consider the location of the trial and whether it’s feasible for you to travel to the study site regularly. Some trials may offer travel stipends, but it’s important to understand the logistics involved.
Potential Risks and Benefits
Weigh the potential benefits of participating, such as access to new treatments, against the possible risks, including side effects and the uncertainty of the trial outcome. All of these factors should be outlined in the informed consent form, and understanding the risks and benefits will help you make an informed decision.
Consulting with Healthcare Providers
Discuss the trial with your healthcare provider to get their professional opinion on whether it is suitable for your medical condition and circumstances.
Participating in clinical trials not only offers potential personal health benefits but also contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge.
Current Trends in Clinical Trials
The landscape of clinical trials is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging that are shaping the future of medical research:
- Personalized Medicine and Genomics Trials: Personalized medicine involves tailoring treatments to the genetic makeup of individual patients. Clinical trials in this area focus on developing therapies that target specific genetic mutations, particularly in fields like oncology and rare diseases.
- Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs): Decentralized trials allow participants to take part in studies from their own homes, using digital tools for data collection and remote monitoring. This model is gaining popularity as it increases convenience for participants and broadens access to clinical research.
- Real-World Evidence (RWE) Studies: RWE studies use data from everyday clinical practice to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments in diverse patient populations. These studies complement traditional clinical trials by providing insights into how treatments perform in real-world settings.
- Adaptive Trial Designs: Adaptive trials allow for modifications to the study protocol based on interim results. This flexible approach can make clinical trials more efficient and responsive to emerging data, potentially speeding up the development of new treatments.
- Patient-Centric Trials: There is a growing emphasis on involving patients in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Patient-centric trials take into account patient preferences, needs, and experiences, leading to more relevant and patient-friendly research.
Getting Involved in a Clinical Trial
If you decide to participate in a clinical trial and meet the study criteria, there are several steps you’ll need to take throughout the process. If you’ve never participated in a clinical trial, explore our How Trials Work page to learn more and find details about the clinical research procedures. The steps for clinical research studies are often the same, and outlined below:
- Initial Screening: Once you’ve identified a trial, the study team will conduct an initial screening to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. This may involve a phone interview, medical history review, and preliminary tests.
- Informed Consent: Before enrolling, you’ll be provided with an informed consent document that explains the trial’s purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and should only sign the document if you fully understand and agree to participate.
- Enrollment and Baseline Assessment: After giving your informed consent, you’ll undergo a baseline assessment, which may include physical exams, lab tests, and other evaluations. These assessments help establish your starting point before the trial intervention begins.
- Participation and Monitoring: Throughout the trial, you’ll be required to follow the study protocol, attend scheduled visits, and report any side effects or health changes. The study team will monitor your progress and provide support as needed.
- Completion and Follow-Up: Once the trial ends, you’ll undergo final assessments to measure the outcomes. Some trials include follow-up visits after the intervention ends to monitor long-term effects.
Understanding the Trial Protocol and Informed Consent
The trial protocol is the blueprint for the study, outlining the objectives, design, and procedures. Understanding the protocol is essential for participants and researchers alike:
- Study Objectives: The protocol explains the goals of the trial, such as testing a new treatment’s safety and efficacy or exploring a new diagnostic method.
- Study Design: The protocol details how the trial will be conducted, including the number of participants, the randomization process, and the intervention procedures.
- Participant Responsibilities: The protocol outlines what is expected of participants, such as taking medications, attending visits, and reporting side effects.
- Safety Monitoring: The protocol includes plans for monitoring participant safety, including how adverse events will be reported and managed.
- Data Collection and Analysis: The protocol describes how data will be collected, analyzed, and reported, ensuring that the study’s findings are reliable and accurate.
The Role of Sponsors in Clinical Trials
We work with a variety of sponsors for our clinical trials to test potential new treatments and therapies. Sponsors play a crucial role in the design, funding, and oversight of clinical trials. Understanding the role of sponsors can help participants appreciate the resources and expertise involved in conducting a trial:
Who Are the Sponsors?
Sponsors can be pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. They are responsible for funding the trial and ensuring it meets regulatory standards.
Sponsor Responsibilities
Sponsors are involved in designing the trial protocol, selecting study sites, and overseeing the trial’s conduct. They also ensure that the trial complies with ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Collaborations & Partnerships
Many trials involve collaborations between sponsors, research institutions, and healthcare providers. These partnerships bring together the expertise needed to conduct complex and high-quality trials.
Available Resources for Participants
Participants in clinical trials have access to various resources through M3 Wake Research to support their involvement:
- Medical Care: Participants receive medical care related to the trial, including monitoring and treatment for side effects. This care is provided by the study team, who are experienced in conducting clinical research.
- Support Services: Many trials offer support services such as counseling, transportation assistance, and patient advocacy. These services help participants navigate the trial process and address any concerns.
- Educational Materials: Participants are provided with educational materials that explain the trial, its objectives, and what to expect. These materials help participants make informed decisions and stay engaged throughout the study.
- Compensation: Some trials offer compensation for participants’ time and travel expenses. Compensation policies vary by trial, and participants should discuss this with the study team.
Join a Clinical Trial Today
Finding and participating in a clinical trial can be a rewarding experience that offers the potential for personal health benefits and the opportunity to contribute to medical research. With a wide range of trials available across different disease areas and phases, there is likely a trial that suits your needs and interests. By understanding the types of trials available, how to find them, and what to consider when enrolling, you can make informed decisions and play an active role in advancing healthcare.
If you’ve been considering joining a clinical trial or you’re interested in learning more, use our Find a Trial tool to complete the form and be matched with a clinical research study that may be beneficial for your condition.
Questions About Finding A Clinical Trial
How can I find a clinical trial that’s right for me?
You can find clinical trials and research studies by using our Find a Trial tool, searching online databases like ClinicalTrials.gov, consulting with your healthcare provider, or contacting research institutions and patient advocacy groups.
What should I consider before enrolling in a clinical trial?
Consider factors such as the relevance of the trial to your condition, the study location, time commitment, potential risks and benefits, and consultation with your healthcare provider.
What types of clinical trials are available?
Clinical trials are available for a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and rare diseases. They are also categorized by phase, from early safety trials to large-scale efficacy studies.
How do patient advocacy groups help with clinical trials?
Patient advocacy groups raise awareness about clinical trials, provide resources for finding and enrolling in trials, and advocate for patient-centric research that meets the needs of participants.
What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
Benefits of participating in clinical research studies may include access to new treatments, close monitoring by medical professionals, and the opportunity to contribute to medical research that could benefit others.