Cancer Survivors Network

although a bit more 'scientific' than my pea-brain can handle. However, the comments suggesting that it is difficult to get enough RCC patients involved in these clinical trials was, in my opinion, hardly reasonable. Many of the trials have pretty stringent requirements which alone eliminate many prospective candidates (no previous treatment - or must have previous treatment - etc.). Also, most clinical trials are conducted in the 'big name' hospitals or universities - which are not convenient to many RCC patients. My personal opinion is, if these drug companies really want more RCC patients to participate, they need to think outside the box and extend these trials minimally to major university teaching hospitals. Yes, this would add expense to the trials - but why put the financial burden on the patient to travel hundreds of miles, perhaps away from job or family, hotel expense, etc. Even to go home between infusions or whatever the method of delivery is adds to the difficulty as I cannot imagine that your local oncologist would want to be responsible for the patient involved in a clinical trial on a drug they have no first-hand knowledge of.

Don't think for a second that I am against clinical trials - I just think the guys with the money (drug companies) need to step up to the plate a bit more if they truly want more RCC participation.