Pioneering Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Offer Innovative Treatments
RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center offers patients access to the latest clinical trials, many of which only available at such centers.
What Are Breast Cancer Clinical Trials?
A breast cancer clinical trial is a research study to see if a treatment will be effective in treating breast cancer.
Through breast cancer clinical trials, researchers seek to make advancements in breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and medications.
Breast cancer clinical trials can study promising new treatments for patients in various stages of breast cancer, from patients who are newly diagnosed to patients who are currently in advanced stages of the disease.
There are four phases of breast cancer clinical trials. Each phase answers different research questions:
- Phase 1. This phase deals with finding a safe dosage, deciding how new treatments should be given and observing how the new treatments affect patients.
- Phase 2. This phase seeks to determine the effect of treatment on specific types of cancer.
- Phase 3. This phase is used to compare new treatments with standard treatments, potentially resulting in new standards for care.
- Phase 4. This phase seeks to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of a new treatment.
In some cases, breast cancer clinical trials may be focused on better ways to manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
Why Are Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Important?
It is said that today's breast cancer treatments are yesterday's clinical trials. Therefore, current clinical trials can shed light on what the future may bring, along with providing new alternative treatment options. Breast cancer clinical trials specifically focus on finding new effective treatments and comparing them to the current standard of care, constantly seeking to improve how breast cancer is treated.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Cancer Clinical Trials?
Not everyone is a candidate for breast cancer clinical trials. Each trial has specific eligibility criteria, and criteria vary amongst trials. Factors may include:
- Type of breast cancer
- Stage of breast cancer
- Previous breast cancer treatment
- Other health conditions
Patients collaborate with their physician before participating in a clinical trial. In some cases, diagnostic tests may be needed to determine if patients meet clinical study criteria. Speak to your health care team to see if you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial.
Future Cancer Treatment Available Today
The breast cancer specialists at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute collaborate to provide access to cancer treatment services that may not be available at any other facility in the state. Patients enrolled in breast cancer clinical trials receive the latest breast cancer treatments that are shaping the future of cancer care, in a setting close to home.
Clinical trials are carried out according to strict scientific and ethical principles and guidelines. Protocols ensure all patients are treated the same way. All study specifics are explained in detail to patients, and all questions are answered. We encourage patients to ask questions until they fully and comfortably understand the study.
Think you or a loved one might benefit from a clinical trial? Contact an RWJBarnabas Health physician today. Your participation could play a part in advancing breast cancer care and improving lives.
View Breast Cancer Clinical Trials
To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best breast cancer specialists call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
