What People with Lymphoma Should Know About Clinical Trials

In this article, you’ll learn what clinical trials are, how they are designed and reviewed, and why they matter for people with lymphoma. Dr. Peter Martin, professor and chief of the lymphoma program at Weill Cornell Medicine, shared his expertise during a recent HealthTree webinar. 

Clinical trials are essential for advancing lymphoma care

Clinical trials are carefully designed research studies that test new therapies and compare them to current treatments. Every medicine used to treat lymphoma today exists because of people who volunteered to participate in clinical trials.

There are several types of research. Lab research explores the biology of cancer. Translational research connects lab discoveries to real-world treatment. Clinical research includes clinical trials and tests to determine whether treatments are safe and effective.

For individuals with lymphoma, clinical trials help identify better therapies, improve quality of life, and offer access to new treatments before they are widely available.

The different phases of clinical trials and what they mean

Clinical trials move through several phases:

• Phase 1 tests if a new treatment can be safely given to people and determines the best dose.
• Phase 2 checks if the treatment works and continues to monitor safety.
• Phase 3 compares the new treatment to the current standard treatment to determine which is more effective.
• Phase 4 takes place after the treatment is approved and looks at how it performs long-term.

Understanding the phase can help, but Dr. Martin recommends that patients focus more on the research question behind the trial. This tells you what the study is trying to find out and if it fits your situation.

Placebos are rare in lymphoma trials

Placebos, often called sugar pills, are almost never used alone in blood cancer research. In most trials, people either get the current best treatment or that same treatment plus the new therapy. If a placebo is used, it is typically combined with standard care and not given by itself.

This is important for people to know. If you're joining a clinical trial, you will almost always receive some form of active therapy.

Clinical trials follow strict ethical rules

Trials must follow ethical standards that protect participants. Each trial is reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), which ensures the study is safe, fair, and respects patient rights.

Participants go through an informed consent process that explains the purpose of the study, the treatment being tested, possible side effects, and other treatment options. Importantly, joining a clinical trial is always voluntary, and you can leave at any time.

Why some people don’t join clinical trials

Most people don’t participate in clinical trials simply because they aren’t told about them. Other reasons include:

• No trial is available nearby
• Doctors don’t mention them
• Concerns about insurance or costs (which are often covered)

Patients can ask their lymphoma specialist about clinical trials or review HealthTree’s clinical trial finder. 

Who can join a trial?

Each clinical trial has eligibility criteria. These include the type of lymphoma, previous therapies, organ function, and other safety factors. These guidelines help make sure the study produces reliable data and protects participants.

Even if a trial isn’t a match now, other options might be available later. Staying informed and talking with your doctor helps you make the best choice.

Clinical trials are not just for people with no options

Many trials are open to people early in their treatment, not just after other therapies have failed. These trials may test new therapies that are safer or more effective than existing ones.

Joining a clinical trial can mean:

• Access to promising therapies years before approval
• More frequent monitoring and support
• Contributing to better treatments for others in the future

Dispelling common myths

Some people worry that being in a clinical trial means they’re being used as a "test subject." In reality, participants are making a selfless choice that helps improve care for others.

Another myth is that clinical trials always involve placebos or risky, unknown therapies. As Dr. Martin explained, people in lymphoma trials almost always get some form of active treatment and are closely monitored for safety.

Conclusion

Clinical trials help shape the future of lymphoma care. They offer access to new therapies and play a key role in improving treatment. If you or someone you know is living with lymphoma, ask your care team about available clinical trials. Participation is always optional, but staying informed empowers you to make the best decisions for your care.

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