Let’s be honest: A cancer diagnosis can leave you speechless, even if you’re a card-carrying extrovert. It’s one word no one wants to hear, but unfortunately, more than 1 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year.
You may have questions, including “Why me?” and “How did this happen?” that oncologists may or may not be able to answer. However, as a medical oncologist at City of Hope, Dr. Krushangi Patel, MD, wishes patients would ask a few other questions before beginning cancer treatment. For instance, she says it’s crucial to ask, “What is the goal of the treatment?”
“Knowing whether treatment is intended to cure the cancer, control it or relieve symptoms helps you understand every recommendation that follows,” Dr. Patel tells Parade.
You’ll also want to ask about expected side effects. “Understanding what may happen and when to call your care team helps patients manage treatment more confidently and safely,” she adds.
However, Dr. Patel shares that you may have multiple treatment options, but many patients don’t realize that.
“Cancer treatment often begins with a series of important decisions, so I encourage patients to take the time to understand all of the treatment options available to them,” she explains.
Asking one specific question before starting cancer treatment can help you get a fuller picture of your options. Dr. Patel reveals the question below, along with guidance on how to consider your care team’s answer.
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‘I’m an Oncologist—the One Question I Wish Every Patient Asked Before Treatment Begins’
As an oncologist, Dr. Patel wishes every patient would ask, “Are there any clinical trials I should consider before we start treatment?”
“Even if a clinical trial isn’t the right choice for you, asking the question helps ensure you’ve explored every appropriate option and can move forward with confidence,” she explains.
A clinical trial is a term that gets thrown around a bunch when talking about health (you may remember the clinical trials on the COVID-19 vaccine, for instance). What does it really mean, though, especially if you’re preparing for cancer treatment?
“Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new ways to prevent, diagnose or treat cancer,” Dr. Patel says. “Some study new medications, while others look at new combinations of existing treatments or better ways to manage side effects.”
She adds that many of today’s standard-of-care cancer treatments are available because of the patients who enrolled in clinical trials, explaining, “They’re an important way to improve cancer care, both for today’s patients and for future generations.”
Dr. Patel shares that, unfortunately, there’s a common misunderstanding that clinical trials are nothing but “a last resort.”
“In reality, they’re available at many different stages of care, including for some patients who are just beginning treatment,” she says.
Dr. Patel adds that some people may not hear about clinical trials because:
They’re not offered at every treatment center, and some require travel to larger cancer centers with active research programs. There may be eligibility requirements. Availability will be based on specific studies.That said, there is some recent promising data on clinical trial participation. A 2024 Journal of Clinical Oncology study found that enrollment in cancer treatment trials was 7.1%, higher than previous estimates of less than 5%.
Still, you won’t know if you’re eligible unless you ask (or your oncologist brings it up).
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Am I a Good Fit for a Cancer Clinical Trial?
Dr. Patel points out that there’s no single type of patient who qualifies as a “good candidate” for cancer clinical trials.
“Every clinical trial has its own eligibility requirements based on factors like the type of cancer, its stage, previous treatments, molecular changes and receptors on your tumor and your overall health,” she shares.
However, Dr. Patel emphasizes that it’s important not to rule yourself out for a clinical trial on your own.
“Ask your oncologist whether there’s a clinical trial that might be a good fit for you,” she says. “If the answer is no, you’ll still have the confidence of knowing the option was considered.”
One follow-up question to ask as part of this conversation includes, “Has my tumor been tested for biomarkers or genetic changes?”
“This testing can help identify targeted therapies or determine whether certain clinical trials may be an option,” Dr. Patel adds.
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Next Steps if You’re a Fit for a Clinical Trial: What To Consider and Where To Find One
Once you have all of the information on whether you’re a potential fit for clinical trials, Dr. Patel shares that you’ll want to do some additional reflecting and searching. Here are the steps for deciding whether to enroll in a cancer treatment clinical trial and where to find one.
1. Think about your goals
What do you, personally, hope to get out of a clinical trial (and your cancer treatment more generally)? A better quality of life? A potentially higher chance of survival? It all matters when determining whether a clinical trial is a good option for your cancer treatment.
“A clinical trial can be the best way to get a leading-edge treatment that is not yet widely available, and it is an opportunity for you to take an active role in your health care,” Dr. Patel says. “Your participation may also help patients in the future. The right decision is the one that aligns with your goals after you’ve had all the information.”
2. Ask how the trial compares with standard-of-care treatment
Yes, you’ll want to ask some more questions. Depending on your goals and comfort level, the standard-of-care treatment may or may not be a better option than enrolling in a clinical trial.
“Understand what the current standard of care would be, how the trial differs and why your doctor thinks it may be worth considering,” Dr. Patel shares.
3. Understand the commitment
Any cancer treatment involves time and even possible side effects like fatigue, and you may have a full life of caregiving and work to tend to in the meantime. Plus, clinical trials may not be available in a location convenient for you. You’ll want to take all of that into account when deciding whether to enroll.
“Ask about extra visits, overnight stays, testing, travel and time involved,” Dr. Patel suggests. “A trial should fit not only your medical needs, but also your life.”
4. Tap resources
Before turning to the internet, Dr. Patel advises people to speak with their oncologist, who understands their personal diagnosis and may know of trials happening in the area.
“If a trial isn’t available where you’re receiving care, ask whether another cancer center offers one and whether a referral makes sense,” she says.
Other resources include the National Cancer Institute, ClinicalTrials.gov and comprehensive cancer centers that offer clinical trials.
“These resources can help you understand what’s available and prepare for a conversation with your care team,” Dr. Patel explains.
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Sources:
Cancer Data and Statistics. CDC. Dr. Krushangi Patel, MD, a medical oncologist at City of Hope National Estimates of the Participation of Patients With Cancer in Clinical Research Studies Based on Commission on Cancer Accreditation Data. Journal of Clinical Oncology.Hence then, the article about i m an oncologist the one question i wish every patient asked before treatment begins was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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