What’s a Community-Based Clinical Research Site?
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What’s a Community-Based Clinical Research Site?

How Ascend Clinical Research Is Bringing Clinical Trials to Where You Live  Clinical trials help bring new treatments to life. But if not enough people take part — or if certain groups are left out — the new treatments might not work for everyone. Clinical trials also give more treatment options to patients who might be running out of choices.   But in some areas, there is no easy way for people to participate in research. Ascend Clinical Research is working to change that through community-based clinical research sites.   What Is a Community-Based Clinical Research Site?  Clinical trials are usually conducted at formal research centers, academic centers, or hospitals in urban areas. But what about the people who live far away from big cities? That’s where community-based clinical research sites come in.  A community-based research site brings clinical trial opportunities closer to where people live and receive care so:   Community-based clinical trials aren’t just about location. They also partner with local doctors and community organizations so patients can learn about trials through trusted relationships. And they focus on personal connection and patient advocacy, so participants feel informed, supported, and respected every step of the way.   In short, community-based research sites help break down the barriers that have kept too many people from participating in clinical trials. Ascend Clinical Research is a great example.   Meet Ascend Clinical Research   Ascend’s mission is to provide more access to clinical trials because they believe no one should be left behind.   To accomplish their mission, they seek to open community-based clinical research sites in areas where trials weren’t offered previously. They also partner with local physicians, connect with community groups, and offer patient and caregiver support to make research participation even easier.  How Ascend Works With Local Physicians to Run Community-Based Clinical Trials   Many people trust their primary care provider more than any other doctor, which is why Ascend partners with local doctors to help connect the right patients to the right trials. These doctors go through records with Ascend to help identify patients who might benefit from the different kinds of trials. This level of detail and attention is especially important for patients with complex conditions who might not immediately match with trials at first glance.   How Ascend Connects With the Community  To reach even more patients, Ascend also works with:  Why? Some patients don’t have trusted primary care providers, or they might be hesitant to participate in research because they’re scared, embarrassed, or want more information. By meeting in low-pressure ways — in person or through a casual social media group — Ascend can connect with all patients without making anyone feel uncomfortable.   How Ascend Supports Patients Before, During, and After a Trial  Ascend doesn’t stop with getting patients into trials. They help them throughout trials with practical support like:   They also keep patients well-informed through information sheets, conversations about what to expect, visit reminders, and follow-ups after visits.   Ascend’s Advice for Patients and Caregivers Who Are New to Clinical Trials  After all their experience with clinical research, the experts at Ascend know a thing or two. Here are their top three tips for people who are new to research:   Trials Are Care — You Deserve Access  Clinical trials aren’t just for big hospitals, and research isn’t just for people who live in big cities. Community-based clinical research sites like Ascend are helping bring trials to more patients — safely, locally, and with the care they deserve.   If you’re curious about research participation, know that support is available every step of the way! Visit Ascend’s website or our Resource Library for more information.  

4 Ways to Advocate for Yourself in an Oncology Clinical Trial
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4 Ways to Advocate for Yourself in an Oncology Clinical Trial

The Importance of Understandable Health Care Information and Where to Get It Nothing in your life has prepared you to deal with cancer. Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, and anxiety over what you’ve heard about cancer treatment may be exhausting. Oncology clinical trials hold hope, but you shouldn’t have to try to decode complicated research options during this challenging time.   Whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, understanding the disease, treatment plans, and clinical trial options is essential for navigating a cancer diagnosis. It’s also critical that you feel informed enough to actively participate in care decisions.   But how do you get such information? Let’s dive in.   3 Reasons Why Understandable Information Is Critical in Oncology Clinical Trials  Medical jargon is often confusing for patients and caregivers alike, but easy-to-understand information can be empowering!   Understanding the details of a diagnosis, treatment plan, and clinical research trial options can help you gain more control, better grasp your emotions, and develop stronger communication with your care team.   #1 More Control A cancer diagnosis may leave you feeling powerless. But, by understanding how a clinical trial treatment works, you might feel more in control.   #2 Emotional Support   Uncomfortable emotions, like fear and anxiety, are often rooted in the unknown. But a better understanding of a disease or treatment may make things easier.   #3 Better Communication   How are you supposed to ask your doctor questions if you don’t understand what’s happening? Understandable information can help empower you to ask informed questions and start conversations about new treatments, relief for side effects, wholistic care options, and more.   4 Tips for Advocating for Yourself in an Oncology Clinical Trial  Easy-to-understand medical materials are important, but they’re not always available. What can you do if the information provided by your health care provider is not enough to understand a diagnosis or clinical trial options?   Here are 4 tips for advocating for yourself and getting clearer, more easily digestible information:   #1 Talk to Your Medical Team   Your medical team is there to help. Nurses are often the best people to start with, but you can also talk to your oncologist or even the front desk staff. Express your concerns about the provided information and ask for more resources.   #2 Talk to a Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor  Many mental health professionals specialize in supporting cancer patients and their caregivers. These experts can offer clarity and assistance.   #3 Talk to Your Peers   Though every cancer journey is unique, there is often much to be learned from those who have walked similar paths. Connect with other patients and caregivers at treatment centers or join an in-person or online support group. Ask your medical team, social worker, or counselor for recommendations.   #4 Use Online Resources   There are many online resources offering free support for cancer patients and caregivers, like Leveling Health.   Leveling Health partners with experts and advocates to break down complex health care information into clear, conversational stories — many for free. Their resources help patients and caregivers:   Just ask this cancer survivor:   “I loved the beauty of their books; I loved the length. I loved the content. I also think that the medical definitions page is invaluable. The resources page is very helpful. The personal stories, stories of positive attitudes, inspiration, faith, and healing, are good.”   Leveling Health’s resources also foster a sense of community and connection, both of which are essential for navigating cancer and clinical trial participation.   As another survivor said, “People need to know what’s normal, that they are normal. That someone knows, in a lot of ways, how they are feeling. Leveling Health removes the isolation.”   Make a Difference With Oncology Clinical Trials   Clinical trial participation might seem overwhelming as you navigate a cancer diagnosis, but it also offers a way for you to access exclusive treatment, get extra care and attention, and help develop new therapies.  By talking to your medical team, working with a social worker or mental health specialist, connecting with your peers, and using resources like Leveling Health, you can arm yourself with knowledge that will help guide and support you throughout your cancer journey.   Visit our Resource Library for more information on how you can make a difference through research participation.  

Do We Need Clinical Trials?
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Do We Need Clinical Trials?

Have you ever wondered how new medicines make it to your local pharmacy? Or how doctors know which treatments work best? The answer is clinical trials. But with all the advances in science and technology, you might be asking: do we still need clinical trials? The short answer is yes, and here’s why.  What Are Clinical Trials?  Clinical trials are carefully designed tests for new medical treatments. They help researchers determine if a new medicine or therapy is safe and effective. Think of clinical trials as a bridge between a promising idea and actually using it to help people.   What’s the Point of a Clinical Trial?  Clinical trials aim to answer some key questions about a new treatment:  Does it work?  Does it work better (or the same as) existing treatments? Is it safe? Are there any side effects?  To answer these questions, researchers follow a strict plan; however, the specifics of how each trial works depends on the treatment being tested, the phase of research, and other factors, but typically, clinical trial participants are divided into groups. One group receives the new treatment, while another might receive the current standard treatment or a placebo (an inactive substance that looks like the real treatment). Researchers then closely monitor participants in each group to understand the treatment’s effects.  Why Can’t We Skip Clinical Trials?  We now have powerful computers, sophisticated lab tests, and the ability to study new treatments in animals. So, why aren’t these methods enough? While these preclinical studies provide valuable information before starting trials, they can’t fully predict how a treatment will behave in humans. Our bodies can react very differently than animals or cells in a test tube. Only human testing can reveal a treatment’s real-world effectiveness, its impact on daily life, and any long-term side effects.  How Do Clinical Trials Keep People Safe?  Doing anything new can be overwhelming at first, including joining a clinical trial. But there are many ways researchers work to keep participants safe:  Careful planning: Before a trial starts, researchers do many other tests to make it as safe as possible   Close watching: During the trial, doctors keep a close eye on everyone’s health  Clear information: Participants learn all about the trial before they join, including any risks The right to stop: People can leave a trial at any time if they want to  Why Your Involvement Matters  Diverse participants are important for clinical research — both healthy volunteers and those with specific health conditions, depending on the trial. This diversity helps ensure that new treatments are effective for everyone. By joining a trial, you contribute to potentially lifesaving discoveries. Even if a treatment does not work, the information gained helps researchers move closer to finding better solutions.  Clinical trials can also provide early access to promising new treatments for individuals facing limited treatment options. This can be a valuable opportunity to receive cutting-edge care.  How Can You Get Involved?  We need clinical trials, and clinical trials need participants! How can you do your part? Getting more information is a great place to start. Our Resource Library includes a variety of topics related to research, and you can search based on conditions or topics you are most interested in.   If you’re considering participating in a trial, talk to your doctor. They might know about trials that could be right for you. You can also search for trials using online tools, like ClinicalTrials.Gov.   Even if participation isn’t right for you, you can still do your part by spreading the word. Tell your friends and family about the importance of clinical trials. You never know who could benefit from this information.  

LGBTQIA+ Research Participation: Why It Matters and How You Can Help
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LGBTQIA+ Research Participation: Why It Matters and How You Can Help

Have you ever wondered how new medicines and treatments are developed? The answer is clinical trials. These studies test how well new medical approaches work, and they are an important step in bringing new treatments to people who need them.   For these trials to work best, research participation needs to include all kinds of people: from different racial or ethnic backgrounds, across different regions, and different sexual orientations and gender identities. That’s where you come in. If you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, your participation in clinical trials is more important than you might realize. Your experience and your health matter. By participating in clinical trials, you can help shape the future of health care for yourself and your community, now and for generations to come.   Why LGBTQIA+ Trial Participation Matters  Historically, LGBTQIA+ individuals have often been left out of medical research. This means that fewer LGBTQIA+ people have been involved in studies compared to the percentage of people who are part of the community overall.   This lack of representation has a real impact. LGBTQIA+ people often face unique health challenges. For example, studies show higher rates of certain cancers and mental health conditions in some LGBTQIA+ groups. By participating in clinical trials, you can help researchers better understand these differences and develop treatments that work for everyone.  There are also some health concerns that are specific to LGBTQIA+ individuals. For instance, transgender people may have unique needs related to hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries. When LGBTQIA+ people are included in research, it helps health care providers offer more informed, compassionate care to all patients, including those with diverse sexual orientations or gender identities.  Challenges and Solutions in LGBTQIA+ Clinical Research Participation  LGBTQIA+ individuals may face some unique challenges when it comes to clinical trials. But for each challenge, researchers, organizations, and communities are working on solutions, as reported by Citeline:   By getting involved in clinical trials, you can also be part of the solution! Your participation helps researchers learn how to make trials more inclusive and accessible. It also sends a message that LGBTQIA+ health deserves attention.  Benefits of Participating in Clinical Trials  We’ve talked about why your participation matters for the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole, but there are also many potential benefits for you as a participant:  Every clinical trial is different, and the benefits can vary. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with the research team.  How to Get Involved in Clinical Trials  Ready to take part in a trial? Here are some ways to get started:   Remember, you always have the power to choose which studies you want to be part of and to ask for what you need during the process.  You Can Make a Difference  LGBTQIA+ participation in clinical trials is crucial for advancing health care that truly serves everyone. While there may be challenges in participating, there are also organizations and researchers working hard to make clinical trials more accessible and inclusive. By getting involved, you can become part of this positive change.  Whether you decide to participate in a clinical trial, share this information with others, or simply learn more about LGBTQIA+ health research, you’re taking an important step. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a future where health care truly serves all of us. 

Want to Make Money From Home While Saving Lives? Participate in Clinical Trials
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Want to Make Money From Home While Saving Lives? Participate in Clinical Trials

Have you ever wondered if you could make money from home while doing something truly meaningful? Well, you can! By participating in clinical trials, you can earn extra cash and help improve or even save lives. It’s a win-win.   But what exactly are clinical trials, and how do they help you make money from home? Let’s dive in and find out.  How Much Money Can I Make From Home Through Clinical Research?   Clinical trials are research studies that test new medical or behavioral treatments. They are the main way that researchers figure out if a new drug, diet, or medical device is safe and effective in people. To do this, researchers need volunteers. And to attract volunteers, they often offer money.   The amount of money clinical trial volunteers can make varies depending on the type of trial, how long it lasts, and what’s involved. For simple trials, like answering surveys or keeping a health diary, you might earn a few hundred dollars. More complex trials that involve taking medication or following a specific diet could pay more, sometimes even thousands of dollars. Some trials offer payment per visit or session, while others provide a lump sum at the end.   One survey found that the median (or middle) clinical trial compensation is $3,070. The same survey found the lowest payments are around $150, and the highest around $13,000!   How Do I Do a Clinical Trial From Home?   Thanks to modern technology, many clinical trials can now be done from the volunteers’ homes. These kinds of studies are called decentralized trials.   What Are Decentralized Trials?  In a decentralized trial, all or most of the study activities are done outside of a traditional clinical setting. These trials use technology like smartphones, wearable devices, and apps to collect data from participants remotely. This approach allows for more flexibility and convenience, as you don’t have to visit a clinic or hospital. Researchers can monitor your health and progress through virtual check-ins, online questionnaires, and by collecting data from devices you use at home.  How Common Are Decentralized Trials?  Decentralized trials are becoming more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many pharmaceutical companies and research organizations are adopting this model to make it easier for people to participate, regardless of their location. In fact, according to one source, about 90% of clinical trials use decentralized components!   How Do I Participate in a Decentralized Trial?   Here’s how you can get started making money from home through clinical research:   Make Money From Home While Saving Lives? Yes, Please.  Participating in clinical trials from home is more than just a way to earn extra money or even learn more about your health; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re taking medication, following a specific diet, or regularly reporting your health status, you’re helping researchers gather the data they need to make life-changing discoveries.  New treatments and medications developed through clinical trials can offer hope and relief to patients suffering from chronic illnesses and debilitating conditions. By participating, you are part of creating solutions that can reduce pain, help people move better, and help them live longer. Many new medicines and treatments studied in clinical trials save lives! Plus, the discoveries made in clinical trials today will help pave the way for future generations to have access to better treatments and healthcare solutions.  What’s Next?   Are you ready to make money from home while saving or improving lives? Learn more about participating in clinical trials now.   Know someone else who may be interested? You can also help us spread awareness on the importance of research participation.  

Neurodivergent and Participating in a Clinical Trial? These Tips Can Help.
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Neurodivergent and Participating in a Clinical Trial? These Tips Can Help.

By: Heidi Green, COUCH Health Navigating the medical system as a neurodivergent person can sometimes be difficult. Many spaces and interactions aren’t as accommodating as they could be — and the same can be said of the clinical research space. However, there are ways to make trial participation less stressful.  Ask For Accommodations  One of the most effective things you can do to make your clinical trial experience work better for you is to ask for what you need. Here is a sample list of the kinds of accommodations that your clinical research team should be able to provide you with. Feel free to share this with them, or customize it to meet your individual needs.  Examples of What to Ask For  More Neurodiverse Research Starts with You  Keeping research teams accountable and ensuring that gatekeeping and implicit bias don’t exclude patients who should be included is essential to an improved research landscape. While such barriers have certainly posed a challenge to participation in the past, now is the time to change that.  

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

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:  

Give the Gift of Health Through Clinical Trial Participation 
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Give the Gift of Health Through Clinical Trial Participation 

How do you give back? Whether you volunteer your time, donate to causes you believe in, or help your community in other ways, doing your part feels good. As you think of ways to make a difference, clinical research may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, you may be shocked to learn just how much of an impact participating in a trial has.   Clinical Research Changes Lives  Clinical research is the process of making sure new medical discoveries are safe and effective. Participants — everyday people who either have a medical condition or who participate as healthy volunteers — make this process possible.  When you participate in clinical research, you can be a part of:   These positive effects ripple throughout communities. As a clinical trial participant, you can give the gift of health to a wide range of people. A new treatment that you contribute to through clinical research could save or improve the life of a friend or family member; it could also help a stranger across the country or make life better for future generations.   Paying It Forward  Even as clinical trials continue to improve medicine, the sad truth is that many people still can’t get the care that a lot of us may take for granted. Imagine if you could be a part of developing new treatments while also improving vaccine access for children in need. By participating in a clinical trial that partners with Greater Gift, you can do just that.   Greater Gift is a non-profit that spreads awareness of the benefits of clinical research and expresses gratitude for everyone involved in the process. They pay the gift of health forward by giving vaccines to children in developing countries through Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. Greater Gift also partners with Feeding America to provide meals for children facing hunger. Through the clinical operations giving program, researchers can choose to donate on behalf of participants or other contributors.   Make an Impact on Global Health  If you are a research sponsor, partnering with Greater Gift can extend the impact of your trial. Showing gratitude makes a big difference for clinical trial participants. After all, these volunteers make research possible, and a simple thank you goes a long way in showing them you appreciate their contribution. When you pair this gratitude with a donation that pays their impact forward, it has an even greater effect.   If you are a potential clinical trial participant, you can help Greater Gift by increasing awareness of their mission. You can also donate to boost Greater Gift’s reach in bringing clinical research to more underrepresented communities. This work is only possible with the help of donors and sponsors.   A great place to start getting familiar with research is through our resource library. We’ve collected information from a variety of sources from trial participants to national health organizations and put it in one convenient place. Once you’ve learned more about how clinical research works, spread the word with our shareable assets. These graphics make it easy to amplify awareness among your friends, family, and professional network. It only takes a few minutes, but the effect can be significant.