The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
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University of Nebraska Medical Center

Patient Guide To Clinical Trials

Patient and Provider

Understanding Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are medical research studies that involve people. They test new ways to prevent, find, or treat diseases. These studies help doctors learn more about diseases and find out if new treatments work well. 

Clinical trials can test: 

  • New medicines 
  • Medical devices 
  • Surgery methods 
  • Ways to prevent disease 
  • Ways to improve quality of life 

Types of Clinical Trials:

Treatment Studies aim to find better ways to treat diseases by testing new drugs, drug combinations, surgical procedures, or radiation therapy approaches. These studies explore whether new treatments are safe and work well for specific conditions. 

Prevention Studies look for ways to prevent diseases from happening in healthy people or prevent diseases from coming back in those who have had them. These might involve medicines, vaccines, or lifestyle changes. 

Screening and Detection Studies test new approaches for finding diseases earlier or more accurately, often focusing on people who may be at higher risk for certain conditions. 

Diagnostic Studies evaluate better or new ways to identify specific diseases or conditions, typically involving people who have signs or symptoms of the disease. 

Quality of Life Studies (Supportive Care) focus on improving comfort and quality of life for patients going through treatment, including ways to manage symptoms and treatment side effects. 

Behavioral Studies examine or compare ways to promote healthy behaviors or help people change their habits to improve health outcomes. 

We offer access to more than 250 clinical trials, connecting patients with leading-edge treatment options and driving innovation in cancer care.

Find a Cancer Clinical Trial

Clinical Trial Phases

Phase I - Safety First

Tests the safety and possible side effects of a new drug or treatment. These trials typically involve 20-80 participants. The main goal is to evaluate safety and identify side effects. Study results determine safe dosage ranges and how the treatment should be given.

Phase II - How Well It Works

Looks at whether the treatment works for certain types of cancer and builds on the safety findings from Phase I. These trials involve 100-300 participants and may compare different doses or methods of giving the treatment.

Phase III - Head-to-head Comparison

Compares the new treatment to standard treatments. If the new treatment results are positive, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may approve it. They test effectiveness and monitor side effects in a larger, more diverse group (1,000-3,000 participants).

Phase IV - Post Market Monitoring

Studies long-term safety and benefits on a larger, more varied group of people after an FDA-approved treatment. Phase IV trials help ensure optimal use of newly approved treatments.

Common Concerns

Clinical trials are available for all stages of disease and even for prevention. Many trials focus on newly diagnosed patients. 
In treatment trials, you typically get either standard treatment or the new treatment being studied. Fake or "placebo" treatments are mainly used in prevention trials. 
Clinical trials have many safety measures. Studies follow strict rules and get approval from ethics committees. 
You will always know you're in a clinical trial. If medically needed, doctors can find out which treatment you're getting. 
Some costs may be covered, but you may have other medical expenses. Always ask about costs. 
You can leave a clinical trial at any time for any reason. 
Many trials are available at community hospitals and clinics. 
Patient and provider

Guide to Enrolling in a Clinical Trial

Participating in a clinical trial starts with finding a study that’s right for you. Talk with your doctor or care team about whether a clinical trial could be a good option based on your condition, treatment history and health goals.