clinical trials

antcat
antcat Member Posts: 270
in Ovarian Cancer #1
I read about so many people who try clinical trials and I am so undecided about trying one. I guess what the problem is that when doing a clinical trial, a person has to go for CT scans about every 2 months. My fear is not only the added radiation, but getting injected with the IV contrast, as eventually it could cause problems with a person's kidneys. I know that clinical trials monitor people very carefully and I think that's great, but still I'm afraid. If anyone could share their thoughts on clinical trials I'd appreciate it.

Comments

  • Mum2bellaandwilliam
    Mum2bellaandwilliam Member Posts: 412
    #2
    Go for it!!
    I look at it that every drug that is used in this fight was once at trial stage!
    You are so closely monitored, and they have done previous tests on animals , that what have you got to loose?!
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #3
    Mum2bellaandwilliam said:

    Go for it!!
    I look at it that every drug that is used in this fight was once at trial stage!
    You are so closely monitored, and they have done previous tests on animals , that what have you got to loose?!

    CT & contrast
    I think the contrast for the CT scans is iodine & not a big concern unless you are allergic to iodine or taking Metformin.
  • Pythiaschad
    Pythiaschad Member Posts: 22
    #4
    Trial
    What trial are you looking at? My wife was on sunitrib (not sure I spelled it right) and had problems taking the drug. She was on the very rare side of the side effects. After having the latest battery of tests, we found that the disease has metastasized to other organs including the liver. So, she is going to try another clinical trial involving MORAb-003 with Paclitaxel once a week for 12 weeks. When we were told about the results we were totally against doing any more clinical trials. Now after reviewing the data about this one she is going to do it. I know it's a chance but maybe this is the miracle we have been looking for. Besides she will be taking the Paclitaxel which worked before. I say give it a shot. Even if it is the Sunitrib because it may be your miracle. As I said, my wifes reactions were very rare. She got all the bad side effects and the doctor said he had never seen that before. Good luck
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #5
    I am currently in a clinical
    I am currently in a clinical trial for an ovarian cancer vaccine. I had to have a CT scan before I was approved (to confirm remission), then one every 3 months. The trial physician and my local gyn/oncologist share the data so I do not have to have scans at both facilities. I think the contrast is just iodine, and as far as I know, it's not cumulative.

    Every treatment we have today started out as a phase I clinical trial. Some of us would most likely be dead now, were it not for previous clinical trials. I know a woman personally who was in the trials for Carbo/Taxol combo treatment. That was 11 or 12 years ago and she is still NED - never had a recurrence. She has told me several times how glad she is that she agreed to participate in that trial.

    Carlene
  • antcat
    antcat Member Posts: 270
    #6
    Hissy_Fitz said:

    I am currently in a clinical
    I am currently in a clinical trial for an ovarian cancer vaccine. I had to have a CT scan before I was approved (to confirm remission), then one every 3 months. The trial physician and my local gyn/oncologist share the data so I do not have to have scans at both facilities. I think the contrast is just iodine, and as far as I know, it's not cumulative.

    Every treatment we have today started out as a phase I clinical trial. Some of us would most likely be dead now, were it not for previous clinical trials. I know a woman personally who was in the trials for Carbo/Taxol combo treatment. That was 11 or 12 years ago and she is still NED - never had a recurrence. She has told me several times how glad she is that she agreed to participate in that trial.

    Carlene

    Thank you all
    Thank you all for responding. I probably will do a clinical trial if one fits for me. I think it's worth a shot because standard chemo doesn't seem to be working. Again thank you all.

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