Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses for which standard-of-care treatments are limited or nonexistent. In the United States alone, nearly 2 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually, with many facing grim odds as about 90% of these cancers remain incurable. Additionally, almost 6 million Americans are living with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for which currently there is no cure. For the 30 million Americans with rare diseases, the lack of approved therapies is even more profound.
Despite the urgent need for new therapies, only a few patients participate in clinical trials, which are vital for advancing medical science. For example, only 8% of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials, with even lower rates among Black and Hispanic populations. This gap is not merely due to a lack of interest; the clinical trial process can be daunting, with its complexities often leaving patients and their families uninformed and overwhelmed. While some resources offer basic information, they frequently overlook the comprehensive guidance needed to understand both the potential benefits and the risks involved. This guide also serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, who may struggle to guide their patients through the intricate landscape of clinical trials due to their limited involvement in research. By using and recommending this book, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals can better support their patients in making informed and balanced decisions about their treatment options.
With the growing emphasis on patient-centered care and the expanding landscape of clinical trials, A Patient's Guide to Clinical Trials offers a much-needed, balanced perspective. It provides essential guidance for navigating one of the most critical aspects of modern medicine, helping patients and caregivers weigh the promise of cutting-edge treatments against the challenges and risks they may face.
