Question about clinical trials.

How long before treatment in a clinical trial do the doctors know what drug arm the patient is on? My mom starts treatment tomorrow and I was wondering if the doctor already knows what drug arm she is on or if they find out just before she begins.

Anyone?

[Anna-maria74]

Its Alan isn't it? I appologise if it isn't its hard to remember names you get to know people by there weird and wonderful handles lol

I really feel for you. I was actually thinking about you the other day. I can imagine you sitting up half the night worrying about anything and everything, your messages always have a frantic quality about them which makes me feel so sad for you. Your mum is having Doxil isn't she? again I appologise if I have got it wrong. I think its wonderful how you care so deeply for her, you must be a wonderful person. I think I have said once before I hope you are taking care of yourself and are getting support too.

I am sorry I can't help with your question just wanted you to know im thinking of you

Anna x

[ConcernedInNY]

My momsigned the paperwork days ago...why havent they told us what drug arm she is on?  Is it because we wont like the answer?

[Angel22]

I am really confused. What is a drugarm? and why?

[Jatoo]

In my wife's case it was immediate, something like a day ot two after signing the paperwork. Hoping that your mom gets the right drug. All the best.

[ConcernedInNY]

Yes Anna-Maria she is definitely getting Doxil....but Im hoping she is selected to get Doxil with this new drug called Telcyta (TLK286).

My mom was responding well to the first line treatment but she recurred immediately and her numbers are climbing fast. She is platinum refractory. I figured she would recur but I was hoping shewould at leastbe able to enjoy the holidays first.

I am frantic...I feel so badly that she has to deal with this.

My question is.....

The oncology nurse called her yesterday and made an appointment for her to come in today to begin treatment.  So Im wondering if they already know which drug(s) my mom is getting OR if they wait until she gets there today before the random selection takes place.

Thanks everyone for the support and I hope all women with this disease beat this damn cancer.

Be well.

[Barney22]

Hello Alan - I've been on a clinical trial recently in London but had to leave it as my disease started  progressing again.  This was a 50:50 placebo/real drug trial done whilst I was in remission, so my comments may not be wholly applicable for your mother.  

Most 'either/or' trials are completely 'blind' - ie not even her doctor will know which drug your mother will be on until the whole trial ends.  Having said that, some trials are obvious eg different modes of delivery - eg 3-weekly or weekly infusions, or even the colour of the drug.  Apart from these, only the drug trial administrator here knows who is on what.  This is to ensure there is no influence (even if unintended) about the likely outcome or even to influence the patient's or doc's state of mind.  If a patient is hoping to be on one drug but gets the other and knows about it she (and you) may become anxious or even depressed.   This can have an effect on the trial results as you can see, and the science is then suspect.

All I'm saying is that if you are not told which drug don't be too surprised or upset.  Just see it as positively as you can - belief is a very powerful tool.  Best wishes to your mother, Jenny

[ConcernedInNY]

Thanks Jenny.

If you read my new posts youll see I found out my mom is getting the Doxil only.  Devastated doesnt even begin to describe how I feel right now.

Anyway, thank you so much for your good thoughts - I appreciate it more than you know.