Segment 10 - Clinical Trials and Patients' Role

Dr Chernew asks panelists how patients might learn about clinical trials, and how trials handle treatment placebos.

Ms Young says that some patients find out about trials through their doctor, but it is difficult to reach patients in the greater community. Websites like Myeloma.Trials.com can help patients find trials by disease type and location. There is also MMRF’s Community Gateway, which helps target patients through questions in a survey. She adds that few cancer trails consider the use of placebo drugs. She says phase 3 trials are “no-brainers” for patients.

Dr Kumar adds that clinical trials are important because they will be the future of myeloma treatment. Patients’ awareness of these trials is essential.