Clinical Trials

You may be a candidate for an innovative oncology clinical trial or research study.

The goal of all oncology clinical trials is to find better ways to treat cancer and help future cancer patients. Oncology clinical trials often compare new medications or combinations of medications. 

Patients at the Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital can participate in Phase II and Phase III trials. 

• In a Phase II trial, a drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to determine if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.

• In a Phase III trial, a drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.

Participating in a clinical trial does not mean you have no other options available. Rather you may choose to enroll in a clinical trial to help researchers compare standard approved treatment options.

Am I Eligible for a Clinical Trial?

Your doctor will determine if you are eligible for a clinical trial, usually through lab tests and reviewing your medical history.

If you are eligible for a trial, your physician and our clinical team will present the trial as one of your treatment options. A clinical trials nurse will review a consent form with you that will cover all aspects of the trial, including details on what treatments will be given, how long the trial lasts and how costs are covered. 

Participation in any clinical trial is completely voluntary and you can withdraw from a trial at any time and it will not affect your care. 

For additional reading on clinical trials and questions to ask your health care providers, please visit the National Cancer Institute’s website: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Find out more about our clinical trials by contacting our team at (603) 740-2150.