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Watch an exclusive “Ask the Expert” webinar: “Advancing Breast Cancer Treatment From Trials to Clinical Practice.”
Featuring renowned breast oncologist Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, Head, Breast and Gynecological Medical Oncology, Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, this session delves into the critical role of clinical trials in transforming breast cancer care, with a special focus on metastatic breast cancer (mBC).
**a summary of the discussion is below**
Choosing a clinical trial as a cancer treatment option can be influenced by a range of factors. Here’s a look at what generally determines eligibility and the types of clinical trials available:
1. Eligibility Factors
- Stage and Previous Treatments: The stage of cancer and prior treatments often affect eligibility. Some trials are designed for patients who have exhausted other standard treatments, while others are open to patients earlier in their treatment journey.
- Trial Phase: The trial phase (I, II, or III) impacts requirements. Early-phase trials (like phase I) often test novel drugs on patients with limited options, while later-phase trials may test the addition of a new drug alongside standard therapies.
- Health and Performance: General health is essential. Bloodwork, fitness, and performance status (such as daily activity levels) are common eligibility considerations. Patients must generally be in reasonably good health to ensure they can safely participate.
2. Design and Goals of Clinical Trials
- Trials differ in purpose. For example, many hormone receptor-positive cancer trials evaluate adding medications, like CDK4/6 inhibitors, to current therapies, rather than replacing existing treatments.
- Selectivity: Each trial’s eligibility criteria depend on the specific investigational drug and study design, leading to diverse requirements and patient populations.
3. How to Begin the Process
- Discuss trial options with an oncologist who can help determine suitability based on individual health and treatment history.
- Researching on platforms like ClinicalTrials.gov can also provide insights into available studies by cancer type, stage, and location, empowering patients to explore treatments that align with their condition and needs.
Clinical trials offer valuable opportunities to access cutting-edge treatments, but understanding eligibility and trial design is essential to finding the right fit for each patient.
