As part of its academic mission, Endeavor Health offers clinical trials in almost all areas of medicine, which provide patients an opportunity to receive the most cutting-edge clinical care.
Endeavor Health currently has more than 550 active clinical trials and more than 1,000 clinical research studies underway. Our experts are working to test new drugs, diagnostics and therapies, all built on basic research that helps us understand how the body works and address some of healthcare’s greatest challenges.
“We’re always looking for people willing to participate in our trials, both with medical conditions and healthy people,” Dr. Helfand said. “We are grateful to everyone who enrolls in a study or trial, as they help advance medicine and knowledge for everyone.”
There are myths and rumors about clinical trials that could spark questions. Read the answers to some common myths below.
Myth: Patients in clinical trials receive placebos instead of an investigational treatment.
Fact: It’s rare for a patient in a clinical trial to receive a placebo, as it would be unethical to hold back an effective treatment. Every patient enrolling in a clinical trial would know ahead of time whether there was a possibility of a placebo that could be given, as they are asked to sign a consent form which would include that information.
Many trials test the current standard of care with or against the investigational treatment. If you’re not getting the investigational therapy, you’re usually still getting the best treatment that current science has to offer.
Myth: Clinical trials are a last resort only after other treatments haven’t worked.
Fact: Clinical trials are available at all stages of care — not just after other treatments fail. Some test new therapies, while others enroll healthy or newly diagnosed participants to study prevention strategies, quality-of-life interventions like sleep or stress management and even everyday health concerns like acne or skin rashes.
Myth: I will have to stop my standard therapy to participate in a clinical trial.
Fact: This depends on the study. If a trial or study required someone to stop their current treatment, that participant would be closely monitored to ensure they are not at risk. This would be discussed prior to consenting and study enrollment.
Myth: I won’t have access to an investigational drug when the trial ends, even if it is working.
Fact: This depends on the study. If the patient is benefitting from the drug and there are no other treatment options, they may be able to continue. The access depends on the trial results, the manufacturer and local regulations. This should be discussed with the investigator prior to enrollment.
Myth: I will have to pay out of pocket for treatment received in a clinical trial because insurance won’t cover investigational therapy.
Fact: The company sponsoring the research often provides the investigational treatment to clinical trial participants free of charge. Health insurance companies are required to cover routine care costs during approved clinical trials, such as blood tests, imaging and doctor visits.
Myth: Participating in a clinical trial means risking unknown side effects or treatments that might not work.
Fact: Clinical trials are governed by rigorous ethical and scientific standards. Each study must undergo a process of review and approval before it can even begin, and factors like side effects and potential outcomes are thoroughly reviewed with patients before they agree to participate.
Myth: Clinical trials aren’t for people like me.
Fact: There is a clinical trial for nearly everyone, regardless of your health or stage of care. Clinical trials are available for healthy volunteers too, and explore a wide range of topics, from new cancer treatments and heart technologies to ways to prevent disease.
Those currently facing a diagnosis or undergoing treatment for a disease can also benefit from participating in clinical trials. Talk to your doctor about what clinical trials might be right for you. You can also browse the more than 550 active clinical trials currently through Endeavor Health.
Clinical trials are about hope. And you can help provide that hope and advance medicine by participating in clinical trials. Your participation helps our researchers better understand how to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and contribute to healthcare breakthroughs that can help transform lives.
You can search for clinical trials at Endeavor Health. Search ongoing trials by category or keyword for specific conditions or diseases.
