What is being tested in Phase I clinical trials? There are different types of Phase I trials. There are trials where we're looking at a brand new drug that's never been put into human beings before. And there are Phase I trials where we're taking existing drugs, a novel combination, and maybe we need to tweak the doses a little bit. And that's why it's Phase I. So we're modifying the dose to make sure that the new combination is safe. These clinical trials can go from drugs that are already FDA approved for one indication, and we're looking at it in a new way, either in a new combination or a new disease setting, to brand new drugs that have never been given to people before. So it's important to understand the trial. And there still is a common belief that I'm a guinea pig if I'm in a clinical trial. But I would say that these trials are carefully monitored for safety. And depending upon your particular stage and your particular situation, sometimes a brand new drug does make sense. But even if you're newly diagnosed and we know that the existing treatments that we have can potentially lead to a cure, perhaps participating in a clinical trial that takes drugs that we already know work in the disease and combine them in a new way may offer a better chance. And so this is an extremely important conversation to have with your doctor.
HealthTree • April 25, 2022