There are numerous research studies and clinical trials open at any one time and each one has its own aims.
For example:
- test new treatments, such as new chemotherapy drugs
- look at new combinations of existing treatments, or change the way they’re given, to make them more effective or reduce side effects
- compare the effectiveness of drugs used to control symptoms
- find out how cancer treatments work
- look at improving the quality of life and services for children and young people who have been treated for cancer
- look at the biology of cancer and its treatment
- find out which treatments are the most cost-effective
Trials are the only reliable way to find out if a different type of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other treatment is better than what is already available.