Cancer treatment trials
Cancer treatment trials are the most common type of clinical trial involving people with cancer. These trials usually compare new cancer treatments with ones that already exist.
Cancer prevention trials
Cancer prevention trials look for ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer or preventing it from coming back. These trials test how useful certain medicines, vitamins, minerals or other supplements are or whether exercise, quitting smoking, eating more vegetables and fruit or other lifestyle choices help to prevent cancer.
Cancer screening trials
Cancer screening trials evaluate the best ways to detect cancer, especially in its early stages. In some cancers, finding cancer early can improve the results of treatment and increase the chances of survival. Screening trials may study new medical imaging methods or a new type of blood test that would detect cancer clues. These trials usually involve people who may be at higher-than-average risk of developing cancer.
Quality-of-life trials
Quality-of-life trials study how to improve comfort levels and quality of life for people with cancer and cancer survivors. These trials may look at better ways to prevent or manage nausea, fatigue, depression, pain or other problems caused by cancer or its treatment.