The development of new drugs saves lives and so LC believes that clinical trials are a necessity and in many cases an important treatment option for lymphoma patients.
However, between 1997 and 2009, the average number of patients enroled for all clinical trials worldwide per approved FDA drug decreased by 62%.(1)
Although no statistical evidence could be found for lymphomas, it is the general industry consensus of medical and pharmaceutical companies that there has been a decrease in clinical trial enrolment despite an increase in global incidence, as well as an increasing numbers of subtypes. This raises the need even more for patient enrolment in specific clinical trials.
| FOUR PHASES OF CLINICAL TRIALS | |
| TRIAL TYPE | MAJOR DIFFERENCES |
| Phase I |
Tests for safety and appropriate dose of a new treatment (does not compare it with another treatment) Increased risk of side effects Usually includes only a small number of patients who often have advanced disease that has not responded to current treatments |
| Phase II |
Tests for side effects and efficacy of new treatment (does not compare it with another treatment) Large number of patients than a Phase I trial |
| Phase III |
Further tests the new treatment on large numbers of patients once the Phase II trial has shown the treatment to be effective and safe The new treatment is compared with a standard treatment to determine if the outcome is more beneficial for patients (randomized controlled trial) |
| Phase IV |
Further study of the treatment after the treatment has been licenced for use in standard practice |
Below you will find the Clinical Trials Chart that lists clinical trial website resources by region and country for you to review. Additionally, contact your local patient support organisation or your doctor and discuss what options may be available to you.
For further clinical trial information by country or by subtype please visit the database of clinical trials and treatments.