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Different Types of Clinical Research and What They Mean for You 

Without clinical research, there would be no new treatments, no improvements in our understanding of how diseases work, and no new options for prevention. In short, clinical research is essential. 

Not all research is the same. There are two broad types: observational and investigational. They each have different goals and work in different ways, but they both rely on people like you to participate and spread the word.  

Read on for an overview of observational and investigational clinical research and learn how you can get involved.  

Observational Research: Observing Health Patterns 

Observational research gathers data and looks for patterns. If participants have a medical condition, they will continue their usual treatment plan during an observational study. Participants in this type of research do not receive new treatments. Instead, researchers observe and record various data, depending on the goal of the study, while the participants keep their general routine the same.  

Participation may involve filling out a survey, meeting with a researcher for an interview, or providing a blood or tissue sample.  

Types of Observational Studies 

  • Cohort studies: A cohort is a group of people, and this type of research follows a given group over time, collecting information about various health outcomes. For example, a cohort study might examine which participants develop cancer over the length of the study and will look for traits or behaviors they may share. 
  • Case control studies: In these types of studies, researchers compare two groups: one with a particular disease or outcome, and another without it. They keep other traits as similar as possible to focus on the single factor they are studying. Researchers then ask participants about their past behavior and use this information to identify potential risk factors.  
  • Cross-sectional studies: These studies compare groups by examining data from a single point in time. Researchers look for patterns and relationships within this data.  

Who Can Participate?  

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Each observational study will have unique requirements based on what the researchers are interested in. In many cases, both healthy volunteers and people with a specific condition are needed.  

Since observational research does not require you to take a new medication or change your routine, you can often participate in multiple observational studies at one time.  

Why Does Observational Research Matter? 

Observational clinical research provides essential information about how diseases work and what risk factors could be. Each new study gives more information, and it takes many studies over a long period of time to clarify possible links between behaviors and diseases.  

What does this mean in the real world? For one, it can help people make more informed decisions about their lifestyles to have a better chance of staying healthy. Recommendations like increasing physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking all have their roots in observational research.  

Observational studies can also identify factors outside of an individual’s control that increase the chance of developing a certain disease. This gives doctors the information they need to screen for those conditions sooner, potentially improving and saving lives.  

Investigating Research: New Treatments 

Whereas observational research gathers information about health, investigational research (i.e., clinical trials) puts this information into practice and tests new ways to prevent, diagnose, manage, and cure diseases.  

During a clinical trial, researchers monitor participants to ensure safety and track whether the new treatment works correctly. Depending on the trial, participants may go to a specific location (a trial site) to receive treatment, or a health care professional may monitor them while they undergo treatment at home.  

Clinical Trial Phases 

Clinical trials have four phases, and each serves a specific purpose.  

  • Phase I tests safety, determines the range of doses, and identifies any side effects  
  • Phase II gives the treatment to a larger group and tests its effectiveness  
  • Phase III continues to test effectiveness in an even larger group and compares the new treatment to any others that are currently used  
  • Phase IV takes place after the new treatment becomes widely available following FDA approval and continues to monitor risks and benefits  

Who Can Participate?  

Like observational research, different trials look for various traits among participants. Along with looking for people with the health condition the treatment will target, clinical trials may have other requirements depending on the specific goals.  

The phase of the trial also changes who can participate. Phase I trials often involve healthy volunteers, as this gives the opportunity to study safety before involving those whose disease may make them more likely to have negative effects.  

Why Does Investigational Research Matter? 

Any advancement in medicine that you can think of owes its creation to clinical trials, from the most common over-the-counter medications to innovative treatments for serious conditions. Investigational research is essential to determine what treatments are safe and effective. Clinical trials can also provide options for those who don’t have many other treatment choices, like those with rare diseases.  

Ready to Get Involved?  

Whether you’re interested in taking part in observational or investigational research, you have the power to make a real difference for the future of medicine. You can ask your doctor about studies or trials that may be right for you, or you can use an online tool like Carebox, Antidote, or ClinicalTrials.gov to start your search.  

And if participating directly isn’t the right choice for you now, that’s okay too! You still can do your part by sharing information and staying informed. You never know who in your network could benefit from this knowledge.  

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They Gave Me 3 Years to Live. 30 Years Later, Here Are My Tips for Participating in Clinical Trials.

In 1994, I was a 37-year-old Army major stationed in Michigan with my wife, Cecelia, and our five-year-old daughter, Patrice. Little did I know that learning how to participate in clinical trials would save my life.   One morning before heading to work in January 1995, I went to the doctor’s office to get results from an MRI I had because of persistent back pain, which had been bothering me for six months. The doctor told me I had chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). He gave me three years to live. He then explained that the only potential cure was a bone marrow transplant. But, as an African American, my chances of finding a match were slim. There were — and still are — few people of color on the marrow donor registry. I took it upon myself to change that. I started organizing marrow drives, visiting churches, malls, colleges, and military bases nationwide.  In December 1995, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and continued my efforts.  In April 1996, at a marrow drive in Columbus, Georgia, a local businessman with a different type of leukemia approached me. He shared his leukemia story, explaining how an experimental treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston had saved his life. He urged me to visit MD Anderson, so I did.   I flew to Houston and met a doctor who enrolled me in a few experimental treatments. But by 1998, after three years, they stopped working. I became extremely fatigued, waking up exhausted and in pain every day. Despite organizing and participating in numerous marrow drives, I had not found a matching donor. Time was running out.   As a last resort, I asked my doctor about any other drugs that could help. He mentioned a potential drug that was still in its pre-clinical trial stage. When it was approved for use in humans, I entered the Phase I clinical trial for STI571. I responded exceptionally well. Nine months into the trial, I ran a 26.2-mile marathon in Alaska! Five months later, I cycled 111 miles in Tucson, Arizona, raising funds for leukemia research.   Three years passed, and in May 2001, the FDA approved STI571 as Gleevec. Among the hundreds of thousands of lives Gleevec has saved, I am the longest-living survivor. In the decades since, I got to see my daughter grow up, attend Harvard University and Emory Medical School, and become a doctor. I’ve celebrated birthdays and wedding anniversaries and been there for every special moment, all because of a clinical trial.   The doctors gave me three years to live. It’s been nearly 30 years — and counting.   What Does This Have to Do With You?   Gleevec was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) cancer treatment. Now there are 80, seven approved in the last year. I am humbled and honored every day to not only be alive, but to have helped change the cancer treatment game. Being part of something bigger than myself — the clinical trial — felt so good that I decided to dedicate my life to clinical research education and patient advocacy. Because the more people know about clinical trials and how to find a clinical trial, the more lives will be saved today and in the future.   Maybe by telling you my story, you’ll be inspired to be part of something bigger than yourself, too.   How to Participate in Clinical Trials  Clinical research is different from what it once was. Back when I was in the Gleevec trial, I did everything by myself. I had to find a place to live in Houston where I stayed for three months, and then find my way back to Houston every 90 days for about three years. These days, there are patient advocates, support services, and more, all dedicated to making research participation as easy as possible.   Despite the differences, there are things that hold true. To participate in clinical trials, you need to know the benefits, do your homework, and start your research journey as soon as possible. In addition, you can enter a trial in a later phase and can withdraw from a trial without penalty.  Know the Benefits of Clinical Trials  Clinical research is essential! Every prescribed drug in your medicine cabinet has gone through a clinical trial. Clinical trials provide treatment at least equal to the current standard of care. When you’re a clinical trial patient, you not only access the newest care (often for free), but you also get the chance to contribute to the future of medicine.   This is especially true for patients of color. Many racial and ethnic minorities aren’t well-represented in clinical research, so it’s even more important for us to step up and participate. In fact, new regulations have been introduced in the industry that put requirements on patient diversity. Otherwise, tomorrow’s treatments won’t be as effective for everyone.   Do Your Homework   Your doctor may not offer clinical trials unless you ask. You need to do your own research so you can talk to your providers about trial options.  Luckily, there are an abundance of clinical trial resources out there, from advocacy groups to government websites.   You should research clinical trials even if you’re healthy or happy with your current treatment. First, many trials need healthy volunteers. Second, a clinical trial might not offer you a better outcome or prognosis, but it may help your quality of life or help educate you on your condition.   Start Now   Trials move slowly, but they go fast once they get going. I first heard about clinical research 18 months before the Gleevec trial. If I hadn’t known to ask the doctor in Houston, I would have missed out. Don’t wait. Begin your research, get on lists, and talk to your doctor now.   Turn 3 Years Into 30  My biggest takeaway on how to participate in clinical trials? Leave no stone unturned.   If you’re not trying clinical research, you haven’t tried every option. Perhaps a clinical trial won’t mean the difference between life and death for you, but it might make a difference in your quality of life. It might mean survival for someone else today, tomorrow, or in 30 years.   I invite you to be part of something bigger than yourself by exploring the resources on Clinical Trials For All to learn more about clinical trials or helping us spread awareness. 

Tips for Searching for Clinical Trials as a Caregiver
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Tips for Searching for Clinical Trials as a Caregiver

If you are a caregiver, you aren’t alone; according to the Caregiver Action Network, over 65 million people in the U.S. (about 29% of the population) provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or elderly family member or friend. The role caregivers play is different for everyone, whether it involves helping with a few tasks or full-time, live-in care. Across this spectrum, it’s clear that caregiving is essential for our communities and deserves recognition and support.   Caregivers help their loved ones in many ways, but one that may not come to mind at first is finding clinical trials. Enrolling the person you are caring for in a clinical trial can help them find new ways to manage their health, while also benefiting others with the same condition. If you’re interested in learning more about how clinical trials work and your role in finding a trial as a caregiver, the information in this article can help you get started.   What You Should Know About Clinical Trials  Before we explore more details about finding clinical trials as a caregiver, we should first discuss what clinical trials are.  A clinical trial is the process of testing a new treatment option, such as a medication or device. Trials happen in different phases, starting with smaller groups and progressing to larger ones. Throughout every step of the process, researchers follow strict standards to make sure they collect accurate data and keep participants safe. If the trial shows the new treatment is effective, it can be approved to become available to more people.   What does this mean for your loved one? Clinical trials often provide access to treatments that are not available anywhere else, giving them a new option to manage their condition. In addition to the personal benefits, taking part in a trial is also a valuable gift to others with the same condition. It gives hope for new treatment options that wouldn’t be possible without research.   How to Find a Clinical Trial Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in a clinical trial for someone close to you, the next step is exploring trials that could be a good fit. The process can seem overwhelming at first, but the good news is that there are many resources that can guide your journey and support you along the way.   Your loved one’s doctor is a great starting point for discussing clinical trials. Although not all doctors are involved in clinical trials, they will be able to answer some of your questions about the process and how it could fit with any current treatment(s). In some cases, they could recommend a trial that they are involved in or familiar with.   Even if your loved one’s doctor is not involved in trials, there are still many ways to find options. Sites like Carebox, Antidote, and ClinicalTrials.gov are great resources for searching for trials. You can look based on a condition and see key details about the trials within these tools.   From Searching to Finding the Right Fit  During this process, there are many elements to consider when deciding whether a trial is a good fit for the person in your care.   Each trial has different rules for who can participate. This may include how far along the disease is, whether your loved one has or does not have certain symptoms, other conditions, age, and a variety of other factors. Be sure to have their medical history available as you search. If you have any questions about whether a trial could be a good fit, reach out to the contact for that trial. They can talk through requirements with you and give you more details about the kind of participants the trial is looking for.   You should also consider the impact participation may have on you as a caregiver. Is the trial nearby? Will you need to travel to take your care recipient to appointments? Are there options to participate from home? This can help you plan to make sure participating is manageable not only for your loved one, but also for you. Many organizations in the clinical research community are working to improve access. The trial organizers may be able to point you in the direction of resources to help make participation easier, such as patient advocacy networks or support groups for caregivers.  Answers to Your Clinical Trial Questions Throughout the process of finding trials for someone in your care, communication is key. If you have questions, be sure to speak up. Researchers understand the key role participants play, and they should support you in finding the answers you need.   Our Resource Library is also a valuable tool for finding more information about clinical trials. Whether you are actively searching for trials for your loved one or are just starting to look into clinical research, you can make a life-changing impact by learning more and spreading the word.  

Redefining Clinical Trial Accessibility in the Age of DCTs
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Redefining Clinical Trial Accessibility in the Age of DCTs

You want to increase clinical research participation, but access issues keep getting in the way. How can people take part in clinical trials if they don’t know about them, can’t physically reach them, or don’t have the resources to participate remotely?   Uncover solutions to the research accessibility problem in the Clincial Trials For All discussion, “Redefining Clinical Trial Accessibility in the Age of DCTs.” Featuring Lightship patient advocacy and patient experience experts Samantha Eells, Sabina Kineen, Mel Mann, and Allison Rosen and hosted by Alec McChesney, director of business development at SCORR Marketing, this discussion is a must-watch for anyone interested in making research more equitable, diverse, and widespread.   Watch the recording now to explore:  

Clinical Trial Myth Busters: Get the Facts About Research
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Clinical Trial Myth Busters: Get the Facts About Research

How much do you know about clinical trials? If the answer is very little, you aren’t alone. 41% of Americans know nothing about clinical research.   If you haven’t heard of clinical trials at all, they are how researchers test new medical treatments and drugs to make sure they are safe and work well. Trials are essential for any new medicine to become available.   If you have heard of trials before, it’s possible some of the things you’ve been told aren’t actually true. There are many clinical trial myths out there, but we’re here to help clear up the confusion.   Keep reading to learn the truth about five common research myths.   Myth: Only very sick people participate in clinical trials  Fact: Many people can take part, even healthy ones  Some people think that clinical trials are only for people with serious, life-threatening conditions and no other treatment options. It’s true that trials can provide vital hope by offering new treatments that aren’t available elsewhere. However, there are many types of research available, and you don’t need to have a severe condition to take part.   Each trial has specific rules about who can join. Researchers may need people at different stages of a condition, from early to advanced, and for both common and rare diseases. Healthy volunteers are also needed in some cases.   The bottom line: don’t rule yourself out of clinical research completely. Although not every trial will be the right fit, many could be.   Myth: Clinical trials treat participants like lab rats  Fact: Participants are respected and protected   One unfortunate myth is that clinical trials are dangerous and that people who participate are treated like test subjects or even “guinea pigs.” The truth is that participants’ rights and safety are well protected.   There are many different rules in place to ensure trials are safe. While risk levels can vary, researchers must explain these risks and work to reduce them. Steps to do this include regular checks throughout the study and ways to report any problems quickly.   Myth: You can only participate from a big city   Fact: Technology opens more ways to join trials   If you don’t live in a major city, you might think there aren’t any clinical trials near you. There is a bit of truth that many trials are often hosted at large hospitals or universities in big cities. However, advances in technology are changing this.  More trials than ever before involve local doctors or even allow you to participate from your home. These options are not available for all trials, but there are more opportunities to take part in research than you might expect, and you don’t always need to travel to a big city. And if you do need to travel, you can find studies that will cover the cost and help with planning.   Myth: Your doctor needs to refer you to a trial  Fact: You can find and join studies on your own  You may think that the only way to get into a clinical trial is through your health care provider. While talking to your doctor about research is a great place to start, it is not the only option. However, you may learn after talking to your doctor that they aren’t involved in or familiar with clinical trials. In this case, it’s important to know that it doesn’t need to be the end of your research journey.   Tools like Carebox, Antidote, or ClinicalTrials.gov allow you to search based on your health condition. You can also add filters to find trials that might be a good fit. Once you see one that could be an option, reach out to the contact for that trial to ask questions and learn more.   Depending on your condition, you may also be able to work with a patient advocate who will search for trials for you and help you throughout the process. You can find an advocate through non-profit organizations related to your illness or, in some cases, through your health care provider.   Even though you don’t need your doctor to refer you to a trial, you can still ask them about how participating might affect your current care.  Myth: Getting involved is too complicated   Fact: Resources can make the process easier   At first, it may seem like you need to be an expert to find and take part in a trial. However, the good news is that this isn’t the case. People from all backgrounds participate in research — and you can, too. There are many resources available to help make this process easier.  Our Resource Library is a great starting point. We’ve collected information from trusted sources about a wide variety of clinical research topics, and you can search based on what you want to learn.   Even if you are not interested in participating in a trial, there are still ways to get involved. Just by reading this blog and sharing what you’ve learned, you can help more people understand the truth behind clinical trials.  

Clinical Trial Story Time: A Friendly Intro for Your Child
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Clinical Trial Story Time: A Friendly Intro for Your Child

If you’ve recently enrolled your child in a clinical trial, you may be wondering how to best prepare them for the experience. This blog aims to help you with that effort. The sections below are designed to be read directly to younger children.  What Is a Clinical Trial? A clinical trial is when scientists, doctors, and people who are sick get together to find out how well a new medicine helps people feel better.  Clinical trials …  Why Should You Be Part of a Clinical Trial? In the world of clinical trials, one of the most special things is called “research as care.” When kids like you have health challenges, clinical research can be a great way to get the very best care in the world that can’t be found anywhere else! The trial team helps you feel comfortable and cared for, and you help them find out more about how well the new medicine works. It’s teamwork that’s meant to help you — and lots of other kids around the world — feel better.  What Will Happen During the Clinical Trial? At the start of the trial, the doctor’s team will talk to you all about what to expect. You will learn about how often you’ll visit them in person, some things you might get to do from home, and you’ll get to know some of the helpers who will be with you along the way. You’ll also learn about the different ways the study team will find out more about the medicine with your help!  Who Can Answer My Questions? You can ask as many questions as you want during the clinical trial. You will have a friendly study buddy who you can always ask any questions you have. And don’t worry! You don’t have to think of all your questions when you meet your helper. Even if you think of a question later, you can ask any time.  Final Note for Parents and Caregivers  Do you or your child have additional questions or concerns about the clinical trial process? Visit our Resources page, talk to your doctor, and consider working with a patient advocate. 

How Can You Contribute to Clinical Research as a Healthy Volunteer?
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How Can You Contribute to Clinical Research as a Healthy Volunteer?

Did you know that medical treatments, from the newest to the most well-known, all have something in common? That something is the clinical research process. Before any new treatment becomes widely available, it has to go through this process to make sure it’s safe and effective.   For clinical research to take place, there needs to be participants: everyday people who get involved. You may assume that everyone in a trial has a medical condition. After all, it would make sense that to test new treatments, there needs to be a disease or condition to treat. While people with relevant conditions definitely do participate, clinical research needs healthy volunteers too!   Read on to find out why healthy people play a key role in research and learn how you can get involved.   First Things First, What Is Clinical Research?   Before we get into how healthy volunteers contribute to clinical research, we need to cover the basics. What exactly is clinical research? In short, it’s the process of studying new discoveries in medicine to find out how they can help patients.   Some types of clinical research are observational, meaning they gather health information and look for patterns. Clinical trials, on the other hand, test something new: a medication, device, procedure, etc. Before this new discovery can become available to the public, the clinical trial process tests that it is safe and does what it’s supposed to do as well as or (ideally) better than existing options.   The Phases of a Clinical Trial  The clinical trial process is split into different phases: I — Pre-Clinical/Phase 0 (Pre-Clinical) — Before testing in humans, scientists study the new discovery in the laboratory II — Researchers find the right dose and gather information about safety, often using healthy volunteers III — These trials evaluate effectiveness and side effects in the population that will eventually use the product  IV — This phase continues to confirm that the product is safe and effective, compares it to any currently available options, and monitors potential negative effects  V — After the FDA approves the new product and it hits the market, it is still monitored to see if new side effects and risks develop and if it continues to be effective  So, Why Use Healthy Volunteers in Clinical Trials?   In observational studies, healthy volunteers can serve as a comparison to participants who have the condition researchers are studying. In clinical trials, healthy participants are usually involved in Phase I. This is because in many cases, patients who have the condition the new product aims to treat are more at risk during these early steps.   However, Phase I trials don’t always involve healthy participants. It depends on the specific risks. For example, cancer-related trials will often use patients with the targeted type of cancer, even in Phase I.   In some cases, like vaccine trials, healthy volunteers participate across all phases.   Can Anyone Be a Healthy Volunteer?   “Healthy volunteer” may seem like a pretty straightforward description, but the exact definition and who qualifies will depend on the specific trial. Researchers specify requirements for age, weight, medical history, and sex. They’ll perform a screening process, which may involve asking questions and/or a medical exam similar to an annual checkup, to confirm that you’re eligible. Just because you don’t meet the criteria for one trial doesn’t mean you can’t be a healthy volunteer in a different one.   One common misconception is that women can’t participate in trials — this is not the case! While the FDA prohibited women of “childbearing age” from participating in Phase I trials from 1977 to 1993, there are no current restrictions. Having more women participate in trials is essential for making sure new drugs and products are safe for both men and women. That being said, some trials may restrict participants based on sex depending on the specific risks.  The Benefits of Trial Participation   While healthy volunteers don’t receive focused treatment for a condition they have during a trial, this doesn’t mean they don’t receive any benefits.   One of the biggest reasons people choose to participate is to help others. Without clinical trial participants, there would be no new treatments or cures for diseases. By taking part, you are saving and improving lives in your community and beyond.   Additionally, clinical trials almost always involve financial compensation for healthy volunteers. The payment depends on the trial, but compensation can be up to thousands of dollars.  Understanding the Risks  It is impossible for trials to guarantee there won’t be any negative effects. This is one reason healthy volunteers are compensated, because researchers understand that they are taking a risk by participating. However, researchers have a duty to minimize risk and keep participants safe, and there are strong safeguards in place, like monitoring by medical professionals, to ensure trials are conducted responsibly.   Informed consent is crucial in clinical trials. This means that researchers need to clearly communicate any and all risks to you. If you have any questions or don’t fully understand something, ask. Additionally, keep in mind that you can stop participating at any time, even once a trial has already started.   Ultimately, the decision to participate in a trial is a deeply personal one. Only you can decide what is right for you.  Okay, I’m Interested — How Do I Get Involved?   If you think participating as a healthy volunteer is right for you, the first step is researching available trials that you could qualify for. Clinicaltrials.gov is a great place to start. You can search specifically for trials that are taking healthy volunteers and filter based on your location and other criteria. Other search tools, like Antidote, can also help find trials near you.   Additionally, you can explore the various resources on our site to keep learning more about trials and how you can get involved, whether you choose to participate or simply spread awareness. Thank you for being a part of the future of medicine.