Clinical trials play an important role in advancing cancer care, but they are often misunderstood. These misconceptions can prevent patients from considering options that may be available to them or asking the right questions about their care. 

According to Dr. Eric Lander, research director and medical oncologist and hematologist at Minnesota Oncology, clinical trials are designed to improve treatment outcomes and expand options for patients, not delay or replace care. 

Below are some of the most common myths and the facts behind them. 

Myth #1: Clinical trials are only a last resort 

Clinical trials are often viewed as the option patients turn to only after standard treatments are no longer working. In reality, many trials are focused on improving treatments that are already part of standard care. 

“Most of our clinical trials are trying to find new treatments and cures and make our old treatments that we’re already doing even better,” Dr. Lander explains. 

For example, some trials focus on patients who have already had a tumor removed but are still at risk of recurrence. These studies look at whether additional treatment can reduce the chances of the cancer returning.  

Clinical trials are not limited to late-stage care. In many cases, they are part of a more proactive treatment approach. 

Myth #2: Patients in clinical trials receive a placebo instead of treatment 

There is a common concern that participating in a clinical trial means not receiving real treatment. 

“In the vast majority of our clinical trials, patients receive treatments,” Dr. Lander says. “Oftentimes those treatments are the current treatments already available at our practices, and sometimes they’re treatments in addition to the current treatments.” 

Clinical trials are structured so that patients continue to receive appropriate care. In many cases, the study is evaluating whether adding a new therapy improves existing treatment. 

Myth #3: Clinical trials are unsafe 

Clinical trials follow a structured, step-by-step process designed to protect patient safety and ensure treatments are thoroughly evaluated before becoming widely available. 

Dr. Lander explains that trials move through several phases: 

Phase 1: Identifies a safe dose and confirms the treatment is safe 

Phase 2: Evaluates whether the treatment is effective 

Phase 3: Compares the new treatment to current standard treatments 

If a treatment does not meet safety or effectiveness standards at any stage, it does not move forward. 

Myth #4: Only certain people qualify for clinical trials 

There is a common belief that clinical trials are limited to specific types of patients or exclude many people from participating. 

“Everyone can potentially qualify for a clinical trial,” Dr. Lander notes. He also points out that efforts are ongoing to ensure trials are more inclusive and representative of all patients. 

The goal is to identify treatment options that are effective across diverse populations and ensure more patients have access to new treatment. 

Myth #5: Clinical trials are separate from standard treatment 

Clinical trials are sometimes seen as something entirely separate from the care patients normally receive. In reality, they are how standard treatments are established. 

“Any treatment that we’re offering in our clinics as standard care at one time had to pass through at least three clinical trials,” Dr. Lander explains. 

In some cases, clinical trials allow patients to access new therapies before they become widely available, while still receiving the current standard of care. 

The Importance of Clinical Trials in Cancer Care 

Clinical trials play a central role in improving cancer treatment. 

They are designed to: 

• Identify safer and more effective therapies 

• Improve existing treatment approaches 

• Reduce the risk of recurrence 

• Expand options for future patients 

For patients, clinical trials may offer access to emerging treatments. For the broader community, clinical trials are essential to continue progress in cancer care. 

Patients who are interested in learning more about clinical trials or exploring eligibility can visit Minnesota Oncology’s clinical trials page for more information.