Northern Michigan's News LeaderHealthy Living: Clinical Trials

Healthy Living: Clinical Trials

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A recent government report on clinical trials show current practices protect participants from harm. This, after some unethical research was made public last year. Today, without trials, developing new treatments for diseases and advancing medicine would be near impossible. In today's Healthy Living, Robyn Haines talks about the importance of clinical trials and how you can get involved.

                                                                               

Karen Anderson was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and given six months to live. That was four years ago. Karen credits clinical trials for the extra time she's been given. Robert Breece's blood pressure was out of control. But with the help of a clinical trial it went from 225/125 to a much healthier 128/68.

 

To find a trial, first ask your doctor. You can also check out these resources: clinicaltrials.gov. The database has more than 117-thousand current studies. Cancer.gov has more than 8-thousand actively recruiting trials. Check national newspapers and the websites of medical universities. Patient advocacy groups like the American Heart Association can also help.

 

Those considering enrolling in a clinical trial should be aware of all the risks. Even so, researchers say you are closely monitored and can be taken off one trial and put into another until you do see some improvement. All trials are voluntary and you can leave at any time.