What is the primary role of clinical trials in cancer treatment?

The primary role of clinical trials in cancer treatment is to test the efficacy and safety of new therapies and treatments. Clinical trials are rigorously designed studies that evaluate the effects of new medications, procedures, or interventions on cancer patients. The goal is to determine whether a new treatment is effective at fighting cancer while ensuring it is safe for patients.

This process involves several phases that aim to systematically assess various aspects of the treatment, including how well it works in comparison to existing therapies, its side effects, optimal dosages, and any specific patient populations that may benefit from it. Additionally, clinical trials can lead to the approval of new therapies that can significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient survival rates.

While clinical trials may also create awareness about cancer treatment options and provide access to experimental drugs, the central focus remains on establishing the therapeutic value and safety profiles of these new interventions. Reducing the cost of treatments is not a primary aim of clinical trials; instead, the efficacy and safety of new treatments must first be proven to potentially influence overall treatment costs positively in the future.