Children's Cancer

It’s possible that your child may be able to be part of a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research investigations to test new treatments, interventions or tests, as a way to prevent, detect, treat, or manage various diseases or medical conditions. The patients involved in clinical trials are volunteers.¹

With regard to cancer, researchers run clinical trials to test new ways to:

• treat cancer
• find and diagnose cancer
• manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.

If a trial is available, taking part in one will be entirely the family’s decision.

It’s important to note that any new treatments are strictly regulated and must be approved before they can be used in a clinical trial. Your child’s doctor will explain everything about the trial and give you detailed written information.  If you wish your child to be part of the trial, you will need to give permission.

Participating in a clinical trial may or may not directly benefit your child. But the results of clinical trials today help children with cancer in the future. If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, ask your child’s doctor if there are any suitable for your child.

You can find further information on our Clinical trials and research page.

References

[1] https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/what-clinical-trial