Association of
Northern California Oncologists
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| Clinical Trials |
| A clinical trial is a medical research study designed to answer a scientific question. The purpose of a clinical trial is to find new or better ways of diagnosing, preventing, or treating certain diseases, such as cancer. In cancer, clinical trials are formal, controlled protocols designed to test the effectiveness of new treatments, including novel drugs, types of intervention, or combinations of therapy.
For a patient-friendly explanation of clinical trials, visit the Cancer.Net website or the National Cancer Institute website. For information on Medicare coverage of the routine costs associated with a deemed clinical trial, visit the CMS website. The ASCO Insurance Coverage of Clinical Trials Toolkit contines sample checklists, templates, and forms to help sites determine insurance coverage for clinical trils, deal with coverage denails, and navigate the appeals process. For information about clinical trials and what private insurance companies are required to cover, visit the Big C website (of UC Davis). Download a patient education brochure developed by ANCO, MOASC, and State/Health Policy Solutions. A physician education brochure is also available. For a list of clinical trials administered by ANCO's Institutional Members, visit the Stanford University, UC Davis, or UC San Francisco clinical trial websites. Visit BreastCancerTrials.org for information about an innovative pilot project to match breast cancer patients to relevant breast cancer trials. Pharmaceutical companies also offer clinical trial opportunities for medical oncology practices and cancer patients. |