Different Types of Clinical Trials

• Treatment Trials test new ways to treat disease. It may be:
• A new drug
• A new type of surgery or radiation
• A new combination of treatments
• New methods such as gene therapy

• Prevention Trials test new methods, such as medicines, vitamins, or minerals that may lower the risk of a disease. These trials look for the best way to prevent disease. They also look for ways to prevent the disease from coming back.

• Screening Trials test the best way to detect a disease in its early stages

• Epidemiologic or Observational Trials look at the link between risk factors and disease. Others look at the effect of treatments for the disease.

• Correlative Trials use blood and tissue samples to look at disease risk or how well a treatment is working.

• Quality of Life Trials look at ways to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.