Every study and every person who chooses to participate helps doctors learn more about fighting cancer. The medicines we use today exist because patients like you chose to participate in research studies.
At Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, research isn't just something we read about; it's something we actively engage with. Our clinical trials provide patients with access to new treatments that many doctors currently can't offer. These studies often allow you to try promising new therapies months or even years before they become available to everyone else.
How Research Works
Scientists first test new treatments in the laboratory to determine if they may help combat cancer. Then, they carefully test them with small groups of people to ensure they're safe. If the treatment looks good, they test it with larger groups. Each step helps doctors determine if the new treatment is effective.
What Clinical Trials Can Mean for You
Joining a clinical trial can help you in several ways. You'll receive extra attention from your medical team, including additional tests and appointments that help track your progress. You may gain access to new treatments that could be more effective than what is currently available. The care you receive during a trial is often more detailed than regular treatment.
But research also has some unknowns. New treatments might not work as well as we hope. You may experience side effects that doctors haven't previously observed. You'll need to come in for extra appointments and tests. These are important things to think about when deciding if a trial is right for you.
The benefits go beyond just one person. When a study works well, it leads to new treatments that help thousands of future patients. Research also helps doctors determine which treatments are most effective for different individuals. Even studies that don't work out as we hoped still teach us something important for the next attempt.
Cancer research has given us amazing new treatments in recent years. Some new medicines help your own immune system fight cancer better. Others target specific problems in cancer cells. All of these started as research studies, showing how today's research becomes tomorrow's standard treatment.
Patients, researchers, and doctors all work together to make progress happen. Patients provide the real-world testing that lab studies can't do. Researchers bring new ideas and scientific know-how. Doctors ensure that valuable discoveries reach the patients who need them.
Your questions about joining a research study matter. Talking openly with your doctor helps make sure any choice aligns with what you want and need. Research coordinators can explain what a study involves, including its possible benefits and risks, as well as what it would mean for your care.
Cancer treatments that will benefit patients in the future are currently being researched and studied. Each study builds on what we learned before, creating better treatments step by step. The research being conducted today is an investment in helping more people overcome cancer tomorrow.
If you have questions about clinical trials or research opportunities, call 704-342-9577 to schedule an appointment with Oncology Specialists of Charlotte.
published: July 1, 2025, 4:07 p.m.