Dr. Monica Patel, medical oncologist at UW Health, shares her expertise on clinical trials in cancer care and the importance of ensuring equitable access for all communities. She challenges common misconceptions while providing practical guidance for patients considering clinical trials as part of their treatment journey.

• Clinical trials test new ways to prevent, find, and treat cancer, ensuring treatments are safe and effective
• Most clinical trials are available as first-line treatments, not just as a last resort
• Participation is completely voluntary, and patients can leave a study at any time
• Provider bias, system barriers, and patient concerns all contribute to inequitable access
• Building trust requires education and engagement with communities historically excluded from research
• Research teams provide additional support through the entire clinical trial process
• Diverse representation in trials ensures new treatments work effectively for everyone
• Patients should ask about risks, benefits, and how trials compare to standard care
• Family members can provide valuable support in navigating complex trial information

If you have questions about cancer clinical trials, ask your doctors about available options, even if they don't bring them up first. For more information, visit uwhealth.org/cancertrials or clinicaltrials.gov.