Clinical trials are health-related research studies that are conducted on humans.
ALS researchers run clinical trials for several reasons:
- To determine whether an experimental drug is safe, tolerable or effective at slowing
or stopping the progression of the disease.
- To collect samples from ALS patients that can uncover biomarkers or clues to why
certain people develop the disease.
- To gain insights into the challenges pALS face with regard to communication and/or
mobility and potential technological interventions to address those challenges.
Though the goals of each clinical trial vary, they generally follow a standard process.
- Pre-trial screening: Participants are evaluated by the clinical trial team, which
may include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals.
At this time, you'll be given specific instructions that you must follow during
the trial.
- The trial: Participants follow their specific trial protocol for the duration of
the study. During this time, which could be anywhere from 6 months to a year or
more, they are regularly monitored by their clinical trial team.
- Post-trial: Many participants stay in touch with their clinical trial team even
after the trial has been completed.
Clinical trials proceed through three phases (enrollment typical for ALS trials
in parentheses):
Phase I: Researchers test an experimental drug or treatment
in a small group of people (12-40) for the first time, to evaluate its safety, determine
a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The experimental drug or treatment is given to
a larger group of people (50-100) to test its effectiveness and further evaluate
its safety, usually for a longer period of time that previously.
Phase 3: The experimental drug or treatment is given to
large groups of people (600-1,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects,
compare it to the current standard of care, and collect any information that will
ensure safe usage. Typically, a determination of effectiveness is issued by regulatory
agencies following the completion of this phase.
What's in it for me?
For many ALS patients, participating in clinical trials gives them the sense of
having some control over the course of their disease and an active hand in their
treatment. There are other benefits as well. You'll have access to therapeutics
before they've reached the marketplace and high-level medical care at top research
hospitals. But perhaps most importantly, you'll know that your participation is
a priceless contribution to the search for an ALS cure.
Of course, taking part in a clinical trial has its risks as well. You may face unpleasant,
serious or even life-threatening side effects to an experimental treatment, which
may, in the end, prove to be ineffective. And the trial protocol may require a lot
of commitment on your part: trips to the research site, hospital stays, or complicated
regimens of medications.
Ultimately, the decision to participate or not is a highly personal one. Before
you decide, find out as much as you can about the trial, including who your health
care team will be, what kind of care you'll receive during the trial, and how much
it will cost. You may also want to visit our forums to talk
to other pALS who have experience with clinical trials.
Find out more about clinical trials
If you’re interested in learning more about how clinical trials work, who’s offering them, and/or how to decide whether or not to take part in one, check out the links below.
Click here to view the clinical trials frequently asked questions.
Click here to view US FDA clinical trial page.
Click here to view NIH clinical trial registry.
How to evaluate a clinical trial >
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