Cancerbackup: Understanding trials

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Q&As on this topic

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1. I have been asked to go into a trial of radiotherapy before or after surgery for my rectal cancer. Should I do this?

last reviewed: 07.09.2005

2. I am being treated for lymphatic leukaemia with the UKALL XII regime. I am having radiotherapy to my head. I know that after chemo my hair will grow back but friend has said that having radiotherapy means I will permanently lose my hair. Nobody has told me this. Is it true?

last reviewed: 21.08.2007

3. My father has cancer. A few months ago his doctor said that at some time he might need a new drug called Iressa. But I have read in the papers that there are problems with this drug and it might not be available any more, is this true?

last reviewed: 28.02.2005

4. What is gene therapy for cancer?

last reviewed: 10.06.2006

5. My father has leukaemia but chemotherapy isn't controlling it any more. His specialist has said that there is nothing more to be done. Surely this can't be right, there must be something that can be tried?

last reviewed: 11.09.2007

6. What is a clinical trial for cancer treatment?

last reviewed: 09.08.2005

7. Is it true that high doses of vitamin C might help fight cancer?

last reviewed: 27.07.2006

8. I have seen in the paper that thalidomide is being used to treat myeloma. Is this true and does it work?

last reviewed: 01.10.2004

9. What are Phase 2 trials?

last reviewed: 09.08.2005

10. I have read about a new drug which is being tested for cancer. I asked my doctor if it would help me and he said it was only in Phase I trials and these would be unlikely help me. Why is this

last reviewed: 09.08.2005

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All Q&As are selected from some of the thousands asked by people contacting Cancerbackup every year. They are answered by specialists and reviewed and updated regularly.


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