Medical professionals and scientists continue to research and test best practices for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment.
There are clinical trials available for each stage of NSCLC and the focus is on the evaluation of new drugs, treatments, and prevention methods for current and future NSCLC patients. Non-small cell lung cancer clinical trials are a great option for those who are looking to receive treatments that are not yet available in standard care, with the added benefit of helping others with similar conditions.
Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Options
In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together to create an overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatment for a patient. This is called a multidisciplinary team.
The main ways adopted for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment are:
- Operation
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Treatment options and recommendations depend on a variety of factors, such as the type and stage of the cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. You should talk to your doctor about the goals of each treatment and what to expect while receiving treatment. This type of discussion is called “joint decision making”. Co-decision making is when you and your doctors work together to choose treatments that match the goals of your care. Co-decision making is particularly important for NSCLC because different treatment options are available.
Why Should I Consider Joining Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trials?
There are many reasons why cancer patients decide to join clinical trials, one of them being that patients receive the most promising alternative treatments available after they have exhausted all standard care options. Other patients also really like the idea of receiving treatment while helping others that may be in similar situations.
Insurance coverage and the costs of clinical trials vary by location. Some programs reimburse expenses incurred from clinical trial participation, while others do not.
One concern patients may have when deciding to join a clinical trial is whether they will receive no treatment by being given a placebo. It is important to know that when clinical trials use placebos, participants are always notified of the possibility. However, most often, clinical trials use either the treatment being studied or the standard of care. Therefore, patients will receive treatment one way or the other.
What Are NSCLC Clinical Trials Designed to Test?
NSCLC clinical trials are designed to research and study new ways to:
- Treat NSCLC
- Find and diagnose NSCLC
- Prevent NSCLC
- Manage symptoms of NSCLC
- Manage side effects from the treatment of NSCLC
NSCLC clinical trials are important for the advancement of medical technology and research that will benefit current and future NSCLC patients. They are essential to making progress in the treatment against cancer. Consult with your doctor about clinical trials.
