At Tanner Cancer Care, we believe every cancer treatment begins with science, and science advances through clinical trials. When exploring cancer clinical trials, our cancer center is your trusted partner. These carefully designed research studies are essential for discovering new and better cancer treatment options. Breakthrough care starts here with cancer clinical trials paving the way.

Why consider clinical trials?

• Access to the latest cancer treatments – Clinical trials provide leading-edge therapies that might not yet be widely available, including innovative cancer treatment options like proton therapy and advanced radiation therapy protocols. Being part of cancer clinical trials opens doors to these advancements.
• Helping others in the future – Your participation contributes to medical knowledge that improves care for people diagnosed after you, making cancer clinical trials an invaluable part of progress.

Are there risks to participating?

Every medical treatment comes with some level of risk. At Tanner, we offer Phase 3 clinical trials — considered the "gold standard" for testing new cancer treatment options. These studies compare promising new therapies to today’s best standard treatments to see which works better, with cancer clinical trials ensuring rigorous safety standards.

In a Phase 3 trial, patients are randomly placed into groups by computer. Some receive the investigational treatment, while others receive the current standard of care and in some cases, a combination of both. No matter what, every patient is guaranteed at least the best treatment available outside of a trial.

Your care team will carefully monitor your health every step of the way. If the treatment isn’t working or is causing more harm than good, you’ll be taken off the trial to continue with the safest and most effective care options.

How treatment is assigned in trials

In most Phase 2 studies (for a specific cancer type), participants typically receive the investigational therapy — sometimes at different dose levels. In Phase 3 studies, the new therapy is compared directly to the current standard of care. Assignment can be decided by computer (a "coin flip," called randomization). Some studies compare standard of care versus standard of care plus the investigational treatment. Placebos may be used only to mimic the experience — everyone receives at least standard care.

Will I receive the treatment I need?

Yes. In Tanner Cancer Care trials, you will receive either the current standard treatment or the new treatment being studied. The goal is to learn whether the new approach improves on established care. Our focus on thoughtful enrollment and vigilant follow-up helps ensure you receive expert, compassionate care throughout your journey in cancer clinical trials.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial helps researchers learn new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. By joining a cancer clinical trial, you play an important role in advancing treatments in areas like:

What clinical trials are available at Tanner?

• Drug therapy – Using medicines to fight cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy – Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Surgical procedures – Using surgery to remove cancer from the body.

What do the phases mean?

• Phase 1: Researchers test new drugs, drug combinations, devices or procedures. They find the safest and most effective doses and track side effects.
• Phase 2: Researchers evaluate how well the treatment works and keep monitoring for side effects.
• Phase 3: New treatments are compared with current standard therapies to see which works best. Safety and benefits are closely followed.
• Phase 4: After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a treatment, researchers study how to use it most safely and effectively in real life.

Are clinical trials right for you?

Choosing to join a clinical trial is an important decision. We are here to answer your questions about how to join a cancer clinical trial and help you understand your cancer treatment options.

Our team will support you every step of the way — because cancer won’t wait, and neither do we.

Could a clinical trial be your best option?

At  Tanner Cancer Care, we understand that navigating cancer can be difficult. We aim to offer you hope, expert guidance and access to innovative clinical trials.

Is a clinical trial right for you?  Read more about clinical trials in our latest blog.

Clinical Trials Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are clinical trials offered to cancer patients?
  Clinical trials provide access to new treatments and help doctors learn how to improve cancer care for you and others. Cancer clinical trials play a crucial role in this process.
• How can joining a trial help me?
  You may receive therapies not yet widely available, along with expert care and close monitoring.
• Are clinical trials safe?
  Clinical trials follow strict guidelines to protect your safety throughout the study. We focus on the safety and risks of cancer clinical trials so you have clear information to make informed choices.
• What kinds of treatments or tests might be included?
  Treatments may include new medicines, combinations of therapies or new ways to diagnose or manage cancer.
• How do I know if I'm eligible?
  Determining eligibility for cancer clinical trials is part of our personalized approach. Our doctors consider your cancer type, overall health and treatment history to find clinical trials that best fit you.
• Will I have extra costs?
  Many trials cover the cost of the treatment being studied, but ask your care team about possible expenses.
• Can I leave a clinical trial?
  Yes. You may leave at any time without affecting your regular medical care.
• How will a trial affect my ongoing care?
  Your care team will manage your treatment to ensure you get the best possible care.
• How often will I need to visit?
  Visit schedules vary.  Your care team will explain what to expect so you can plan with confidence.
• What team will care for me during the trial?
  You will be cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary team — medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses, research coordinators and navigators — experienced in your cancer type.
• How do trials improve treatments?
  The information learned helps develop better treatments that save and improve lives in the future through cancer clinical trials.