If you’re considering a clinical trial, you may wonder where to start. Finding a trial can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already trying to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. And then you need to look at your eligibility for a clinical trial. Each trial has specific requirements.
The good news is that you don’t have to search for a clinical trial on your own. Your doctor, cancer center, patient advocacy groups, and several national databases can all help.
There are many prostate cancer clinical trials taking place in the United States. Some are testing treatments that are in the last step (phase III) before approval by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Other clinical trials are studying newer treatments that are still being developed (phase I and phase II). The resources below can help you find clinical trials that may be right for you.
Resource 1: Your Doctor
Your doctor is often the best place to start. Many urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists participate in clinical trials, especially doctors who work at major hospitals and cancer centers. And your doctor may know about trials that are not easy to find through an online search.
Let your doctor know that you are interested in a clinical trial. Ask:
- Are there any clinical trials that might be right for me?
- Am I eligible for any trials at this hospital or cancer center?
- Are there trials at other centers that you would recommend?
- Would taking part in a clinical trial affect my other treatment?
Resource 2: Your Cancer Center
If you get your care at a cancer center, ask about its clinical trials program. Many cancer centers have a dedicated clinical trials office that can help identify trials for which you may be eligible.
You can also check the cancer center's website. Many centers have searchable lists of their current clinical trials, including trials for prostate cancer.
If you are interested in having care at a different cancer center, you can also contact that center directly to ask about clinical trials.
Resource 3: Prostate Cancer Patient Advocacy Groups
Patient advocacy groups can be excellent resources for finding clinical trials and learning more about what participation involves.
For example, The Prostate Cancer Foundation can help people search for prostate cancer clinical trials: Find Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials
ZERO Prostate Cancer also has resources for people interested in clinical trials, including tools to help match you with trials that may be a good fit: Find a clinical trial
These groups can be very helpful if you’re not being treated at a major cancer center, or want to explore trials beyond what’s offered by your current doctors.
Resource 4: Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Groups
Some groups specialize in prostate cancer research. They coordinate clinical trials across multiple cancer centers.
One example is the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC). The consortium brings together prostate cancer researchers and clinical trial sites to study new treatments. They have information about prostate cancer studies being conducted through the consortium: PCCTC portfolio of studies
Resource 5: The National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) gives information about clinical trials that are sponsored or supported by the NCI. You can search for prostate cancer treatment trials that are currently available: Find Cancer Clinical Trials
The NCI also has information about participating cancer centers and clinical trial locations.
Resource 6: ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It contains information about clinical trials funded by government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, and other groups.
You can search the database for prostate cancer and narrow the results based on factors such as:
- If the trial is currently recruiting
- Where the trial is taking place
- The type or stage of prostate cancer
- The treatment being studied
- The age of participants
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for prostate cancer trials: ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov includes a very large number of studies. Because of this, the results can be hard to navigate. Your doctor or clinical trial team can help you determine if a trial you find online is right for you.
How Do I Know if a Clinical Trial Is Right for Me?
Finding a clinical trial is only the first step. Not every trial will be right for every person with prostate cancer. You must be eligible. Each clinical trial has specific requirements. These may include:
- Your type and stage of prostate cancer
- Previous treatments you have had
- PSA level
- Other laboratory test results
- Your overall health
- If your cancer has certain genetic features
- Where you live or how far you are able to travel
A trial that looks good may not end up as an option for you. This doesn’t mean that you’ve run out of treatment choices. It just means that you don’t meet the requirements for that one study.
Things to Keep In Mind
Don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re interested in clinical trials, tell your prostate cancer doctor early in your treatment journey. You don’t have to wait until you’ve tried all of the standard treatment options.
You can be in a trial at any stage of prostate cancer. Clinical trials are available for men at different stages of prostate cancer. Some trials compare a new treatment with the current standard treatment.
It’s your choice. Taking part in a clinical trial is always voluntary. Your doctor can help you understand if a trial is right for you. They can help you see how it compares with your other treatment options.
You’re helping make research happen. The advancement of prostate cancer treatment depends on people taking part in clinical research. By looking at clinical trials, you may find a treatment option that’s right for you and help researchers develop better treatments for all people with prostate cancer.