Types of Clinical Trials

Treatment trials test new treatments (like a new cancer drug, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods such as gene therapy). See: Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need to Know

Prevention trials test new approaches, such as medicines, vitamins, minerals or other supplements, that doctors believe may lower the risk of a certain type of cancer. These trials look for the most effective way to prevent cancer in people who have never had cancer or to prevent cancer from coming back or a new cancer occurring in people who have already had cancer. See Understanding Prevention Trials for additional information, as well as Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer Prevention Studies -- What Patients Need to Know.

Screening trials test the best way to find cancer, especially in its early stages. See Understanding Screening Trials for additional information.

Quality of Life trials (also called Supportive Care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients. See Understanding Supportive Care Trials for additional information.