Why do We Need Clinical Trials?
Clinical studies show us what works (and what not) in the field of medicine. They offer the best way of learning for doctors to discover what works best in treating diseases like cancer. Clinical trials are designed to answer two important questions:
* Does the new treatment in humans? Is it better than what is currently used to treat certain disease? If not better, is at least as good or perhaps cause fewer side effects? Or does it work for some people who do not respond to current treatments? In other words, represents progress? A treatment that does not offer anything new probably not worth studying.
* Is it safe the new treatment? This should be answered taking into account that there is no treatment or procedure, including any commonly being used, that does not involve some risk. But do the benefits outweigh the potential new treatment risks?
Answering these questions while exposing a small number of people requiring treatment unknown, usually several different clinical studies. Generally they are grouped into “phases”. Clinical studies in each of its phases are designed to answer certain questions, while trying to ensure the safety of persons who are participating. Each new treatment must be tested in various phases of clinical trials before it is considered reasonably safe and effective. These phases are described in the section “What are the phases of clinical trials?”
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