Clinical Trials for Neuroendocrine Tumors

How do you find clinical trials for neuroendocrine tumors? 

Clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of new therapies for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The treatment tested in a clinical trial may not yet be widely available. Participating in a clinical trial can give patients early access to the latest treatment options. It also helps improve care for other patients and families facing NETs.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are the final step in a long process that begins with research in a lab. Before any new treatment is used with people in clinical trials, researchers work for many years to understand its effects on cancer cells in the lab and in animals. They also try to figure out the best does for a treatment, the side effects it may cause, and how its effectiveness compares to other current treatments.

Phases of a clinical trial

Clinical trials occur in phases. If a new treatment is successful in one phase, it will proceed to further testing in the next phase.²⁵ 

Phase 1 purpose

• To find a safe dose.
• To decide how the new treatment should be given (by mouth, in a vein, etc.).
• To see how the new treatment affects the human body and fights cancer.
• Number of people taking part: 15–30.

Phase 2 purpose:

• To determine if the new treatment has an effect on a certain cancer.
• To see how the new treatment affects the body and fights cancer.
• Number of people taking part: Less than 100.

Phase 3 purpose:

• To compare the new treatment (or new use of a treatment) with the current standard treatment.
• Number of people taking part: From 100 to several thousand.

How to find a clinical trial

First talk to your doctor about your interest in clinical trials. Studies have strict criteria about who can and can’t participate. Your doctor will be a good resource to help you determine what makes sense for you.