Clinical Research

Since 2014, Nephrology Consultants has offered numerous clinical trials that provide the patients who volunteer innovative, state-of-the-art health care. Study patients are given opportunities to gain access to new treatments that are not yet available to the public. Advancements in the treatment of diseases have grown immensely in recent years, thanks to everyday heroes who willingly became participants in clinical research trials. Clinical trial participants play active roles in their health care while contributing to medical research with a goal of improving quality of life among patients battling their same condition. FDA.gov provides the following information regarding clinical trials:

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the safest and fastest way to find treatments that work in certain populations, and new ways to improve health.

There are different kinds of clinical trials, including those to study:

• prevention options
• new treatments or new ways to use existing treatments
• new screening and diagnostic techniques
• options for improving the quality of life for people who have serious medical conditions

Many clinical trials are done to see if a new drug or device is safe and effective for people to use. Clinical trials are also done for other reasons. Some compare existing treatments to determine which is better. The current, approved treatments are called the “standard treatments.” Sometimes clinical trials are used to study different ways to use the standard treatments so they will be more effective, easier to use, and/or decrease side effects. Sometimes, studies are done to learn how to best use the treatment in a different population, such as children, in whom the treatment was not previously tested.

The duration of a clinical trial can vary. Some last 5 years, while others are complete in 2 weeks. Medical care and study medication are always provided at no cost to the participant. Often, the Sponsor of the trial provides reimbursement for travel to the office.
Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?

It is important to test drugs and medical products in the people they are meant to help. It is also important to conduct research in a variety of people because different people may respond differently to treatments. Regulatory Authorities seek to ensure that people of different ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders are included in clinical trials.

Some people participate in clinical trials because they have exhausted standard (approved) treatment options – which either did not work for them, or they were unable to tolerate certain side effects. Clinical trials may provide another option when standard therapy has failed. Other people participate in trials because they want to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.

People should learn as much as possible about the clinical trials that interest them. Prospective participants should understand what happens during the trial, the type of health care they will receive, and any costs to them – which may or may not include the cost of the product, costs associated with administering the product, etc. Patients should feel comfortable discussing their questions and concerns with members of their health care team to determine whether or not participating in a clinical trial for their medical issue is appropriate.