This article is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
When you’re living with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), you are juggling a lot—from appointments to decision-making. And when the words “clinical trial” come up, it can be intimidating to understand and navigate what that means. However, clinical trials may be an option worth exploring. Understanding what they involve and how to talk to your doctor about them can turn those uncertainties into a part of your journey.
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What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a study that tests medicines and other treatments to understand how and if they work and if they are safe enough to be offered to qualifying patients. Participating in a study can sound intimidating at first, but some things you’ve heard about clinical trials may be popular misconceptions.
One of the biggest misconceptions about clinical trials is that they’re only available for patients as a last resort. That is simply untrue. A lot of trials are available to patients even before standard treatments have been tried. Even more, some clinical trials are available to healthy adults.
What’s it like to participate in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials treat patients as partners in the process, with rights, protections, and full control over their decision to join—or to leave at any point.
The process of joining a clinical trial usually begins with a screening phase which involves reviewing medical history, scans, and lab tests, and sometimes checking for specific genetic markers that are especially relevant. Participants are given detailed paperwork and consent forms that explain what the trial involves, any possible risks, and potential benefits. You’re encouraged to ask all of your most pressing questions during this time, so you can fully understand what will take place. If a participant qualifies and chooses to enroll, a baseline assessment follows—blood tests, physical exams, etc. This helps the researchers understand any changes that happen during the trial.
Once you’ve officially begun the clinical trial, the experience is very hands-on with frequent check-ups, imaging scans, lab work, and any other necessary tests. You’ll also be monitored closely for any side effects. You may be encouraged to continue standard treatments while receiving the study drug or procedure. Being surrounded by so many resources, you may find that you have even more access to doctors and nurses than before. For caregivers, this can mean reassurance that their loved one is being cared for and that any concerning changes will be addressed quickly. This also means that participation requires a level of commitment. Participants are expected to show up for appointments and clinic visits, and depending on the treatment, some lifestyle adjustments are necessary.
What can caregivers expect from a clinical trial?
For caregivers, encouragement, organization, and support are the top expectations. Anything from helping your loved one make and attend appointments, processing information they’re receiving, and supporting them through the ups and downs. The journey can be tiring, but it can also feel purposeful, knowing you are both part of something that may help with the progress of medicines.
Are clinical trials available for lung cancer patients?
Certainly. Clinical trials happen throughout the calendar year. Doctors and scientists are committed to finding and learning about the options for ailments and are often looking for eligible participants. However, there are specific clinical trials available to those diagnosed with NSCLC. Learn more about a J&J NSCLC clinical trial here.
Clinical trials are also a powerful way to support equity in healthcare. For Black communities, taking an active role in NSCLC trials can help ensure medical advancements reflect the needs of all patients. Together, we can reduce health disparities in lung cancer outcomes.
There are many clinical trials ongoing for NSCLC. A J&J clinical trial is currently recruiting adults living with NSCLC to participate in a study. Click here to learn more about it and see if you qualify.
This article is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
