Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a study done on patients who are receiving
or are in need of medical treatment. The purpose of a clinical trial
is to gather information on a specific medical treatment such as
a medication, technique, or surgical procedure. The type of information
gathered differs among trials as well, and might include data on
cost, effectiveness, safety, and possible side-effects. Many trials
focus on comparisons between a new treatment and an existing medicine,
technique, or procedure. Other trials might focus on new ways of
using an already established treatment. Data-gathering techniques
include patient questionnaires, lab tests, physical examinations,
and/or information collected during surgery.
Some studies are sponsored by industries involved in the medical
field (such as product manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies),
while physicians or non-physician investigators initiate others.
In some studies, the sponsors may pay for the cost of the treatment;
in others, the patient or his/her insurance may be responsible for
the cost of the care.
Patients involved in a clinical trial will always sign an informed
consent document before being enrolled in the study and before any
data is collected. This document outlines the purpose of the research,
the procedure to be done, its possible risks and benefits, financial
considerations, available alternatives, and the policies regarding
research-related injuries and withdrawal from the study. All clinical
trials and all informed consent documents have been approved by
the sponsor of the study, the principal investigator here at Loyola,
and the Loyola University Medical Center Institutional Review Board
for the Protection of Human Subjects.
Any patient may stop participating in a clinical trial at any time
and for any reason without anyone objecting and without affecting
his/her care at Loyola University Medical Center.
For more information regarding clinical trials being done in the
Department of Urology, please see the Loyola
University Health System's listing of clinical trials. If
you are interested in learning more about a trial being sponsored
by our department, contact the Clinical Trials Office at 708/216-0291.
|
