Patient FAQ

Western States Cancer Research NCORP (WSCR-NCORP) (formerly Colorado Cancer Research Program) is a nonprofit, National Cancer Institute (NCI) affiliated Cancer Clinical Trial Research Organization, whose primary aim is to make cancer clinical trials available to patients, physicians, and communities in our region.

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Clinical Trial Basics

What is a clinical trial?

An important research study that aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of a treatment compared to what is currently available. Trials seek to answer key scientific questions for the benefit of current and future individuals. It is voluntary to participate, and you may withdraw at any time.

Who is involved?

Your physician, your clinical research coordinator, and you.

Your physician is treating you per standard of care and at the direction of the protocol. The research coordinator plays a key role as a patient advocate, guiding you through the process. The coordinators stay with you through treatment and beyond, ensuring your safety as well as the trial requirements are met. Most importantly, you. We couldn’t do what we do without patients like you.

What is a protocol?

A document written by medical doctors who are experts in their field that see the potential to positively impact a patient population. The protocol states the goals of the trial and provides the blueprint on how the trial is conducted. For example, how much of a drug will be given, how often it must be taken, and what medical tests will be required to check on the participant’s safety or disease.

Who funds clinical trials?

Trials can be funded by the federal government and/or private industry. The protocols are conducted at sites such as the ones here.

Who benefits from clinical trials?

You.

We acknowledge that historically clinical trials have resulted in human rights violations, disproportionately affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color for the benefit of white individuals. We accept that it is our responsibility to rebuild the trust in every community negatively impacted by these events.

The goal of many NCI (National Cancer Institute) trials is to conduct large-scale clinical trials that represent actual patient populations so we can confidently apply results to all members of our community. Disparities in healthcare have long existed, and COVID-19 has brought much needed attention to the issue. These disparities must be addressed head on so that the best available treatments are being used for every individual regardless of background or identity.

Getting Started

Where can I participate?

Click here to see our providers and sites that participate in trials

Why should I participate?

Clinical trials offer cancer patients a different, and sometimes more effective treatment option. You will receive high-quality care from cancer specialists and be carefully and continually monitored by your physicians and WSCR’s research specialists.

You will receive the best available current treatment (also known as standard of care), or a new approach that early testing has shown may work better than the current treatment. Taking part means you are among the first to receive the newest treatment, procedures or prevention approaches before they are publically available.

Patients who take part in research studies may benefit themselves, as well as future patients as most of today’s standard of care treatments are the results of yesterday’s clinical trials. They are necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of new approaches to treating a cancer, controlling side effects, or preventing the cancer altogether.

How do I participate?

Ask your doctor if there is a clinical trial available for you. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you. His or her insight and knowledge of your medical history and condition are the best basis for treatment selection. The ultimate decision, however, is always yours.

The patient will be asked to first read the informed consent to understand the trial more fully before making any decisions. If you need help understanding, talk to your doctor or contact the WSCR study team at 303-777-2663.

What is WSCR’s role?

We facilitate the processes by supporting the physicians enrolling a cancer patient in a clinical trial. Visit the “Our Team” link in the “About Us” tab to learn more about our staff and their roles.

Am I eligible for a clinic trial?

Each study includes guidelines for who can and cannot participate. These guidelines are called “eligibility criteria”.

Eligibility criteria may include age, sex, medical history, and current health status. Your doctor will make sure you are eligible for the study before you begin.

Your Rights & Protections

What is an informed consent?

It is a process where our coordinators explain the details of the clinical trial and are available for any questions or concerns. You will be informed of the potential risks and benefits of the research study and must give signed consent to participate.

Cancer is complicated, but it is our job to make sure you understand the process to the best of your ability. Once an individual becomes a research participant, a process begins for protecting the individual as a human subject.

How am I legally protected?

You are protected by a variety of laws, ethical guidelines, staff training, and independent bodies. These include:

The Common Rule
The Nuremberg Code
The Belmont Report
Declaration of Helsinki
Human Subjects Protection Training
Institutional Review Boards (IRB)
HIPAA

Click here for a comprehensive overview of laws and guidance around clinical research.

How will my information be used?

When you go on a study, you sign a document that allows us to collect medical information relevant to the trial. Your privacy is important to us. Your name and any other information that could be used to identify you is never sent to the study, only your medical information and a participant identification number.

How will my blood or tissue samples be used?

You must consent to having samples (whether it be a blood draw, tissue collection, or stool sample) taken for research purposes. Some studies require it as part of the science, but many do not have sample submission or it is optional. The informed consent must specify where the samples go and what they will be used for.

WSCR's Promise

In protecting each research participant, Western States Cancer Research NCORP (WSCR) adheres to the standards for scientific integrity recognized around the world. WSCR respects the dignity of research participants with regard to self-determination and full disclosure of information throughout the research process. We are also routinely audited to help protect you as a participant, and also protect the integrity of the data.

If you experience any type of discrimination or microagression at one of our clinics or hospitals, please reach out to your clinical research coordinator. Our coordinators are an extra advocate for you. Please visit our Implicit Bias link at the top to see what we’ve been reading and listening to to further educate ourselves on health disparities.

Common Concerns

Are cancer clinical trials for people who have no other options?

Trials are another option that offers a treatment plan that may better address the patient’s needs and continue their quality of life.

Will I receive inferior treatment?

The new treatments we use in clinical trials show a potential (in earlier studies) to be better than the current treatments. Clinical trials are required to determine which treatment is the best.

Am I a human guinea pig?

No. The trials we offer were designed because researchers believe that new treatments are better than the current option. The new treatments have already passed various safety tests and the goal can be to increase survival, lessen adverse effects, prevent cancer, improve quality of life or help control symptoms.

You can withdraw at any time.

Do trials always include a placebo or "sugar" pill?

No. Placebos are rarely used in cancer clinical trials. They are never used in the place of the standard-care treatment already given. Placebos are used only when there is no standard-care treatment already available or in addition to standard-care treatments.

Any clinical trial that involves a test group that will receive no treatment must inform participants in advance that the trial has a placebo arm.

What to Expect

Will there be side effects?

During the informed consent process you will go over any possible side effects of a protocol treatment. Some of our studies are not treatment related and do not involve any or very minimal side effects.

Can I change my mind about participating?

Yes, you may leave at any time for any reason. Talk to your Clinical Research Coordinator or physician to learn how to do this safely.

How long are clinical trials?

It depends on the specific trial, and the details of your involvement will be discussed during the informed consent process. However, most trials follow a similar schedule to how you would normally see your oncologist.

Where can I see the results of the study I was on?

The results will come from the research base that created the study and are publicly available on clinicaltrials.gov.

What study was I on?

If you believe you participated in a trial with us but are unsure which one, please reach out to our main office and we will gladly look up that information for you.

Financial Questions

Will I be compensated?

Most cancer studies do not offer financial compensation. Some trials do provide one or multiple study-related drugs free of charge but many drugs and tests are billed to you or through your insurance.

Can I participate if I’m on Medicaid?

Yes, if in Colorado. Your routine costs will be covered under Medicaid as required by HB 1232.

Can I afford a clinical trial?

While WSCR helps coordinate the trial we cannot answer any financial questions. Please reach out to the financial counselor at the clinic or hospital you are being seen at to discuss your specific situation. They can offer financial advice and assistance.

More Information

Please click the links below for more helpful information regarding NCI Clinical Trials.

The different types of clinical trials

The different phases of clinical trials

Informed consents

Where trials are conducted

Using Randomization and Placebos

Insurance coverage of trials

Questions you can ask your clinical research coordinator or doctor

Groups who look out for your safety

If you don’t see the information you are looking for feel free to contact us at 303-777-2663 or info@westernstatesncorp.org

Proud NCI Affiliate

WSCR-NCORP is a proud National Cancer Institute (NCI) affiliated Cancer Clinical Trial Research Organization

Contact Us

Western States Cancer Research NCORP
1325 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite B-400
Denver, CO 80222

Phone: 303-777-2663
Email: info@westernstatesncorp.org

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