Tulsa World: Clinical trials done right can provide valuable information

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Clinical trials done right can provide valuable information

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 11/25/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 11/25/2009 7:56 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I often read in my newspaper or hear on television about clinical trials for different diseases. I even have a friend who has been asked to participate in one. Are they really on the level?

Dear Reader: Yes, they are, as long as the trials are done through reputable facilities by trained personnel. Researchers are always looking for better ways to treat and prevent disease. Most clinical trials are related to health and follow a predetermined protocol.

Specific guidelines for participation include the type of disease, gender, age of a patient, prior treatment given and more. Doctors, nurses, social workers and other health-care professionals will monitor people at the beginning, during and at the end of each study.

Before jumping to become a member of a test group, it is important to ask appropriate questions and make an educated decision: Will you be responsible for any expenses? How long will the study last? What is its purpose? Can it trigger a negative reaction, resulting in an exacerbation of your symptoms? What type of testing will be performed? If it involves a medication, what are the potential side effects?

A person can always drop out of a test study — however, once making the commitment, it would be more beneficial to see it to completion, if possible.

Clinical studies are sponsored by a number of federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, medical organizations, foundations, pharmaceutical companies and physicians. Once researchers complete testing in a laboratory setting, often followed with animal studies, experimental treatments are moved into clinical trials. Often, one group (about half) of the participants will be given an experimental drug or treatment. The other half will be provided a placebo or standard treatment already utilized.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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Elusive, Owasso (11/30/2009 1:14:36 AM)

Always good to do your research when diagnosed with something or given a new medication.

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