Ovarian Cancer (cont.)
The promise of cancer research
Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials
(research studies in which people volunteer to take part). They are studying new
and better ways to prevent, detect, and treat ovarian cancer.
Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out
whether new approaches are safe and effective. Research already has led to
advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective methods.
Women who join clinical trials may be among the first to benefit if a new
approach is effective. And even if the women in a trial do not benefit directly,
they may still make an important contribution by helping doctors learn more
about ovarian cancer and how to control it. Although clinical trials may pose
some risks, researchers do all they can to protect their patients.
Researchers are conducting studies with women across the country:
- Prevention studies: For women who have a family history of ovarian cancer,
the risk of developing the disease may be reduced by removing the ovaries before
cancer is detected. This surgery is called prophylactic oophorectomy. Women who
are at high risk of ovarian cancer are taking part in trials to study the
benefits and harms of this surgery. Other doctors are studying whether certain
drugs can help prevent ovarian cancer in women at high risk.
- Screening studies: Researchers are studying ways to find ovarian cancer in
women who do not have symptoms.
- Treatment studies: Doctors are testing novel drugs and new combinations. They
are studying biological therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal
antibodies can bind to cancer cells. They interfere with cancer cell growth and
the spread of cancer.
If you are interested in being part of a clinical trial, talk with your
doctor. You may want to read the NCI booklets Taking Part in Clinical Trials:
What Cancer Patients Need To Know and Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer
Prevention Studies. NCI also offers an easy-to-read brochure called If You Have
Cancer...What You Should Know About Clinical Trials. These NCI publications
describe how clinical trials are carried out and explain their possible benefits
and risks.
NCI's Web site includes a section on clinical trials at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials.
It has general information about clinical trials as well as detailed information
about specific ongoing studies of ovarian cancer. NCI's Information Specialists
at 1-800-4-CANCER or at LiveHelp at http://www.cancer.gov/help can answer
questions and provide information about clinical trials.
Next: What resources are available to patients with ovarian
cancer? »
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