Clinical trials for cancer are research studies that test new treatments, therapies, or interventions to determine their safety and effectiveness. These trials offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies and play a crucial role in advancing cancer care and improving survival rates.
1. ClinicalTrials.gov
- Website: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
- Description: The most widely recognized U.S. government-run database for clinical trials, including cancer-specific studies. Patients can search for clinical trials by disease type, location, phase, and treatment type. The site includes detailed information about each trial’s purpose, eligibility criteria, and contact details.
- Additional Features: Trial search filters, trial updates, patient and researcher resources.
2. National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cancer.gov
- Website: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials
- Description: NCI’s clinical trial database features thousands of trials for cancer patients. This includes NCI-sponsored studies as well as trials at major U.S. cancer centers. The site offers detailed information on trial eligibility, treatment options, and study phases.
- Additional Features: Information on cancer types, immunotherapy trials, and pediatric oncology trials.
3. American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Website: https://www.cancer.org/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials.html
- Description: The ACS offers tools for searching clinical trials, with detailed explanations of what to expect, how to participate, and the potential benefits and risks. They provide a trial search tool that helps patients find studies based on their cancer type and location.
- Additional Features: Educational resources, patient support services, and trial matching.
4. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Website: https://www.nccn.org
- Description: The NCCN is a coalition of leading cancer centers, and their website provides access to a variety of oncology clinical trials. They also publish clinical treatment guidelines used by oncologists across the U.S.
- Additional Features: Clinical practice guidelines, information on cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials at NCCN centers.
5. Cancer Research Institute (CRI)
- Website: https://www.cancerresearch.org/clinical-trials
- Description: A nonprofit dedicated to advancing immunotherapy for cancer, CRI provides a clinical trial finder specifically for immunotherapy treatments. They help patients access clinical trials focused on novel immunotherapy treatments, including for hard-to-treat cancers.
- Additional Features: Detailed information on immunotherapy trials, resources for patients and caregivers.
6. Be The Match (for Blood Cancers)
- Website: https://www.bethematch.org
- Description: Be The Match connects patients with blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma) to clinical trials related to stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. The site includes a clinical trial search tool and information about transplants and other treatments for blood cancers.
- Additional Features: Bone marrow registry, educational resources on stem cell therapy.
7. Trialspark
- Website: https://www.trialspark.com
- Description: Trialspark is a clinical trial management company that partners with healthcare providers to offer cancer patients access to trials, including those that may not be widely known or available through major hospitals. The platform helps match patients to trials.
- Additional Features: Easy trial discovery and access, patient-centered approach.
8. Worldwide Clinical Trials
- Website: https://www.worldwide.com
- Description: A global resource for clinical trials, including a significant number of cancer studies. They offer access to a range of oncology trials, from early-phase studies to those with novel treatments.
- Additional Features: Trial search filters, resources for healthcare professionals and patients.
9. Pharmalex
- Website: https://www.pharmalex.com
- Description: Pharmalex provides information on ongoing clinical trials in oncology, including both FDA-approved and experimental treatments.
- Additional Features: Regulatory and clinical trial insights for researchers and patients.
10. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
- Website: https://www.lls.org
- Description: LLS offers resources for cancer patients, specifically for those with blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma). They offer a Clinical Trial Matching Service that connects patients with appropriate clinical trials.
- Additional Features: Support programs, financial assistance, and educational resources.
11. Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
- Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org
- Description: PAF helps cancer patients navigate the healthcare system by providing clinical trial navigation services, financial assistance, and other resources. Their Clinical Trial Navigation Program helps match patients with appropriate studies based on their cancer type.
- Additional Features: Financial assistance, insurance advocacy, and legal aid.
12. OncoLink - University of Pennsylvania
- Website: https://www.oncolink.org
- Description: OncoLink is a resource for cancer patients and healthcare providers, offering comprehensive information on cancer types, treatment options, and clinical trials. The site includes a clinical trial search tool for patients looking to explore research opportunities.
- Additional Features: Patient guides, educational resources, and access to clinical trial databases.
13. TrialConnect (CancerCare)
- Website: https://www.cancercare.org/clinical_trials
- Description: TrialConnect is a free, confidential service from CancerCare that helps connect patients with appropriate clinical trials. A specialist works with patients to find trials based on their cancer type, location, and treatment history.
- Additional Features: Personalized clinical trial matching, support services for cancer patients.
14. My Cancer Genome
- Website: https://www.mycancergenome.org
- Description: My Cancer Genome provides detailed information about the molecular and genetic underpinnings of cancer and helps patients access clinical trials targeting specific mutations and cancer types. The site includes trial databases for targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and personalized treatments.
- Additional Features: Educational content on genetic testing, precision medicine, and trial search based on specific biomarkers.
15. Society for Clinical Trials (SCT)
- Website: https://www.sctweb.org
- Description: SCT is an organization of professionals dedicated to clinical trial research. Their website provides information on clinical trials, including resources for patients and researchers.
- Additional Features: Resources for researchers, links to clinical trial events and updates.
16. The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
- Website: https://www.ons.org
- Description: The ONS offers a range of resources related to clinical trials for oncology patients. They provide educational resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, as well as tools to locate relevant clinical trials.
- Additional Features: Clinical trial education, patient resources, and nursing professional tools.
17. Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA)
- Website: https://www.lcfamerica.org
- Description: Specifically focused on lung cancer, LCFA offers a Clinical Trial Finder that helps patients connect with lung cancer clinical trials. They also provide updates on the latest research and treatment options in lung cancer.
- Additional Features: Lung cancer research funding, patient resources, and clinical trial guidance.
18. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- Website: https://www.aacr.org
- Description: The AACR supports cancer research, including clinical trials. Their site provides resources for patients to understand cancer clinical trials, including those being conducted by their members and partner institutions.
- Additional Features: Research reports, trial listings, and advocacy.
19. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- Website: https://www.rarediseases.org
- Description: NORD provides resources for patients with rare cancers, which may include rare types of cancer or uncommon subtypes. The site includes clinical trial resources, advocacy, and patient support.
- Additional Features: Rare cancer information, support networks, and clinical trial databases.
Disclaimer:
Before considering participation in a clinical trial, it's essential to discuss options with your oncologist or healthcare provider. Clinical trials are experimental and can have risks, so it's crucial to understand the trial's purpose, potential benefits, and side effects.