How to Qualify for a Clinical Trial for Lung Cancer

Clinical trials for lung cancer are research studies that aim to find better methods of diagnosing, treating and preventing lung cancer. Treatment trials explore new cancer treatments, such as drug therapy, surgery or gene therapy. Screening trials look at the best methods of detecting cancer especially in the early stages. Prevention trials research the best ways to prevent cancer, or from it reoccurring and quality of life trials seek to find ways of improving the quality of life of lung cancer patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your healthcare provider to express your interest in participating for clinical trials for lung cancer. Alternatively, contact the National Cancer Institute (NCI) about current and ongoing lung cancer clinical trials (see Resources below). To research trials sponsored by the NCI, pharmaceutical companies and other Federal and private agencies, visit the government clinical trials website, which is a service of the U.S. National Institute of Health (see Resources below).

• 2

  Ensure you meet the trial's eligibility criteria. Each lung cancer clinical trial has different eligibility criteria which can include gender, medical history, age, current health status and a particular stage of lung cancer. This will be determined by your physician and by those administering the clinical trial.

• 3

  Have you cancer diagnosed and staged to determine how far it has progressed. You will also have to have your general health status reviewed.

• 4

  Ask questions before deciding to enter the trial. Inquire about the potential risks and benefits, the cost involved, participation and care, as well as any personal issues you may have.
  Questions can include who has approved the study, what is the purpose of the study, what is the study duration, what are the long- and short-term risks and benefits, what support is available for the participants, how will participation affect daily life, where will participants receive treatment, what type of treatment and tests will participants undergo and for how long, what costs are involved and who is responsible for the trial.

• 5

  Give your informed consent. You will be required to sign a document which contains information about the purpose of the study, what treatment and procedures you will undergo, as well as the potential risks and benefits.