A Patient's Guide to Clinical Trials: Navigating the Promise and Pitfalls of Experimental Treatments
Feb 2026 · Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Ebook
296
Pages
About this ebook
Every year, millions of people face life-threatening illnesses for which effective treatments are limited or nonexistent.
Yet only a small fraction of patients participates in clinical trials, even though these studies are vital to developing new therapies. Fewer than 8 percent of adult cancer patients take part in these trials, with even lower rates among Black and Hispanic populations. This gap is not merely due to a lack of interest; the clinical trial process can be daunting, often leaving patients and their families uninformed, unprepared and overwhelmed.
This book offers a much-needed, clear, balanced, and comprehensive guidance at a moment when patient-centered care has never been more important. It demystifies how trials work, what patients can expect, and how to weigh the promise of cutting-edge treatments against the challenges and potential risks involved. It simultaneously empowers patients and caregivers to make informed decisions, turning a process that can feel intimidating into one that is understandable, navigable, and ultimately hopeful.
Yet only a small fraction of patients participates in clinical trials, even though these studies are vital to developing new therapies. Fewer than 8 percent of adult cancer patients take part in these trials, with even lower rates among Black and Hispanic populations. This gap is not merely due to a lack of interest; the clinical trial process can be daunting, often leaving patients and their families uninformed, unprepared and overwhelmed.
This book offers a much-needed, clear, balanced, and comprehensive guidance at a moment when patient-centered care has never been more important. It demystifies how trials work, what patients can expect, and how to weigh the promise of cutting-edge treatments against the challenges and potential risks involved. It simultaneously empowers patients and caregivers to make informed decisions, turning a process that can feel intimidating into one that is understandable, navigable, and ultimately hopeful.
Every year, millions of people face life-threatening illnesses for which effective treatments are limited or nonexistent.
Yet only a small fraction of patients participates in clinical trials, even though these studies are vital to developing new therapies. Fewer than 8 percent of adult cancer ...
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About the author
Jose-Alberto Palma, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist with more than fifteen years of experience in clinical trials and drug development. He is dedicated to advancing medical research and improving patient care. Dr. Palma currently serves as global clinical lead for neurodegeneration programs at Eli Lily, a role he formerly held at Novartis.
Jose-Alberto Palma, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist with more than fifteen years of experience in clinical trials and drug development. He is dedicated to advancing medical research and improving patient care. Dr. Palma currently serves as global clinical lead for neurodegeneration programs at ...
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