Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Clinical trials are a fundamental part of clinical research and play a central role in advancing medicine. They investigate new methods for preventing, detecting, or treating diseases, including new drugs, drug combinations, surgical procedures, devices, or new uses for existing treatments. The primary goal is to determine if these new tests or treatments are effective and safe.
In addition to evaluating treatments, some clinical trials aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses. Participants in clinical trials may include healthy volunteers and people with diseases, who join for various reasons. Healthy volunteers often participate to contribute to scientific progress and help others, while individuals with illnesses may seek access to the latest treatments and benefit from extra care and attention from clinical trial staff.
Overall, clinical trials provide hope, opportunities for improved care, and contribute to developing better treatments for future patients.