Cancer Clinical Trials (Patient-Centered Guides) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Linda Lamb (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Studies heralding breakthroughs in investigational cancer regimens seem to erupt in the news media almost daily. Consequently, patients clamor for information about the reported trial results but remain largely unaware of the studies' overall operations, objectives, or intended outcomes. Medical journalist Finn does an outstanding job of detailing and demystifying the structure, administration, and history of various experimental cancer studies as well as the laws affecting them. In addition to providing a wealth of understandable background information, he gives the consumer step-by-step guidance for locating and appraising a clinical trial, intelligently and compassionately explores the pros and cons of whether to enter a research study, and writes superbly about what an informed consent document is and how to read one. All in all, Finn offers a thorough, thoughtful, and well-balanced look at an important topic not covered elsewhere. Recommended for public library and consumer health collections.AGail Hendler, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Ctr. Lib., New York
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Most cancer patients face treatment options that are less than ideal. Finally, however, basic research on cell biology is leading to promising new treatments. Author Robert Finn, a science and medical journalist, believes that if you are not evaluating potential experimental treatments alongside the standard treatment protocols, you aren't considering all the facts you need. Cancer Clinical Trials is aimed at helping you consider the range of treatment options available through clinical trials -- treatments that may not be available any other way. It includes:

Reasons to consider a trial (as well as reasons to decide against one) Structure of clinical trials and ethical guidelines Administration of trials (and what are the interests and involvement of players such as the FDA, pharmaceutical companies, the NCI, scientists) Inclusion and exclusion criteria for joining a trial Reading the trial protocol Hard questions to ask yourself and your doctor Interviews from researchers and patients

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Patient Centered Guides; 1 edition (September 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565925661
• ISBN-13: 978-1565925663
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,896,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for anyone diagnosed with cancer!, September 4, 2001

By	L. Runkle (Cedar Rapids, IA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unless you have one of the rare cancers that has a greater than 98% 5-year survival rate, you need to seriously consider being part of a clinical trial.

This book tells what clinical trials are, details the differences between Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, and tells how to find trials that may be of interest to you. The most important part of the book details how to educate yourself to read the informed consent document and the experimental protocol, and how to choose a trial. It details the good and bad experiences that patients have had with doctors and with clinical trials.

Whenever a new treatment is hailed for cancer, it came through clinical trials. If you want the best possible treatment for you or a loved one, you need to read this excellent book, and then make an informed decision.