Sunday, January 13, 2008

How to Join Clinical Trials for Bone Cancer

Introduction

Malignant tumors in the bones are called bone cancer. Bone cancer research is ongoing, and new techniques for treating it are constantly being developed. If you have bone cancer, you can help in the investigation of new technologies and treatments by joining a clinical trial.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

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Step One

Start by understanding the standard treatments for your type of bone cancer. Visit the Web sites of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute (see "Resources" below) in order to gain a thorough understanding of the standard treatments available.
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Step Two

Talk to your oncologist and medical team about clinical trials with which they may already be familiar. Their knowledge about bone cancer may also give you further insight into whether or not a particular trial will be of value to you.
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Step Three

Go online. Both the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute Web sites give information about clinical trials that are on-going. Be sure to look at the specific type of cancer the trial is targeting in order to know if it can benefit you. You may also want to travel to be in a trial focused on your type of cancer and situation.
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Step Four

Consider investigating clinical trials overseas if you are able to travel. Possibilities for clinical trials may also exist in other countries, since they may pursue research along different lines or test different medications than those available in the United States.

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