At TCOP, we conduct hundreds of cancer trials every year. While many
of these involve current cancer patients testing for more effective
treatments for their particular type of cancer, we also test new
approaches, looking for the best way to prevent the disease in people
who have never had cancer. These trials, called prevention trials, may
also test methods of preventing cancer from coming back to those who
have already had cancer. Like clinical trials, prevention trials are
categorized into Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III, and can focus on
subject reactions to medicines, vitamins, minerals, food supplements, or
a combination of these.
ABOUT PREVENTION TRIALS
Designed to reduce the risk of developing cancer, prevention trials
are conducted with people who do not currently have cancer, but either
once had it or may have a natural proclivity towards getting the disease
as indicated by family history and/or lifestyle predictors. Prevention
trials test new approaches that research indicates may lower the risk of
a certain type of cancer and look for new and better ways to prevent
cancer.
Participants in prevention trials are motivated to become a part of
the trial for several reasons, including a desire to contribute to
medical knowledge and the potential to positively affect future
generations. In addition, some people with a higher risk of developing
cancer may decide to join to take a more active role in their own health
care.