Clinical trials
Research is an important part of developing better treatments for cancer. Many specialist centres like The Royal Marsden take part in clinical trials or research studies.
These trials may be assessing the effectiveness of a new treatment compared to a standard treatment. If the new treatment produces better results or offers fewer side effects it could go on to be widely used for all people with a particular cancer.
Taking part in clinical trials
You may be asked if you would like to take part in a clinical trial, for example to test the benefits of a new or improved type of chemotherapy.
If a clinical trial is an appropriate treatment option in your case, the doctors and nurses will discuss it with you to help you decide whether or not you want to take part.
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