Clinical Trials in Orange County
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. Through clinical trials, doctors find new ways to improve treatments and the quality of life for people with disease.
Researchers design cancer clinical trials to test new ways to:
- Treat cancer
- Find and diagnose cancer
- Prevent cancer
- Manage symptoms of cancer and side effects from its treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must approve new treatments before they can be widely used. Clinical trials are part of the approval process for new drugs and treatments.
Learn more about the types of clinical trials and phases from the National Cancer Institute.
Contact us for more information, including clinical trial availability, during normal business hours:
- St. Jude Clinical Trials Office 714-446-5177
- St. Joseph – Orange Clinical Trials Office 714-734-6220
- Mission Clinical Trials Office 949-573-9492 ext. 4180
Clinical trials are experiments, so they may have risks as well as benefits. Risks depend on the treatment being studied and the health of people who participate.
Benefits: Patients in clinical trials may receive treatments not yet available to everyone. But there is no guarantee that clinical trial treatments will help or improve your medical condition. Taking part in the search for new and better cancer treatments can be personally satisfying. You will be helping others.
Risks: Clinical trial treatments can cause side effects and other health risks. The risks depend on the type of treatment and your health. You always make the final decision about taking part, and not until after you understand all the potential risks and benefits. You have the right to stop participating in a clinical trial at any time and for any reason.
Patient participants are essential to clinical trials. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is right for you. Each clinical trial accepts patients with a specific type and stage of cancer. In general, you must meet these conditions:
- Doctors have diagnosed and checked the stage of your cancer.
- A doctor has reviewed your general health, and your health meets study requirements.
- We have answered all your questions about the clinical trial.
- You understand the possible benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial.
- You have signed and submitted your informed consent form.
Before you decide to take part, doctors and clinical trial coordinators tell you all the known risks. The medical team closely watches the health of every patient who participates.