Pancreatic Cancer Health Center

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Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials

Major pharmaceutical companies continually research and develop new medications and treatments, which must be shown to be safe and effective before doctors can prescribe them to patients. Through pancreatic cancer clinical trials, researchers test the effects of new drugs on a group of volunteers with pancreatic cancer. Following a strict protocol and using carefully controlled conditions, researchers evaluate the investigational drugs under development and measure the ability of the new drug to treat pancreatic cancer, its safety, and any possible side effects.

Some patients with pancreatic cancer are reluctant to take part in clinical trials for fear of getting no treatment at all. This is simply not true. Patients who participate in pancreatic cancer clinical trials receive the most effective therapy available for the condition -- or they may receive treatments that are being evaluated for future use. These drugs may be even more effective than the current pancreatic cancer treatment.

The following web sites offer information and services to help you find a pancreatic cancer clinical trial that is right for you.

TrialCheck

This web site, developed by the nonprofit Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, is an unbiased cancer clinical trial matching and navigation service enabling patients to search for cancer trials based on disease and location.

National Cancer Institute

This web site lists more than 6,000 cancer clinical trials, and explains what to do when you find one that you think is right for you.

ClinicalTrials.gov

This web site offers up-to-date information for locating federally and privately supported clinical trials for cancer.

CenterWatch

This web site lists industry-sponsored clinical trials that are actively recruiting patients.

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on March 01, 2011