Trial route vs. GI/Hepatologist?

[flcyclist]

It appears that a large number on the forum are in trails of some kind or another, with many in Canada.  For those going through their first trt, did most go through their GI/Hepatologist or search out a trail in your area?  If the trail route, why?  Was the major concern the cost of the rx, or the better care given by the doctors and staff, or something else?

For those going through trt when SOC failed the first round, I can understand why you might consider going into a trail.  But isn't there some risk of being selected to receive a placebo?  I'd imagine the % selected for placebo might be low, but i can't imagine not receiving trt while going throught all this.  I guess if there would be not costs associated, this is the price to pay?  And are there any out of pocket costs to participate in a trial?

Sorry, so many questions, but I'm very unfamiliar with the trial procedures.  Is there a good link for additional information?  I'd imagine many things are different in the US vs. Cananda and other countries.  

Thanks

[andy_k]

it looks like it is not easy to get in a clinical trial in Canada.
your GI have to be connected to that trial or somehow know about that.
i think it is just easier for docs to go the soc and don't spend time looking for other options...also, you have to consider the chance of additional sx from new meds.

btw, if you are UND at week 4, you have a very good chance to get rid of it.

good luck!

[Mary4now]

being und at wek for on SOC, is a good sign I think so carry on.

[flcyclist]

Thx for the responses and the link.  Very interesting to see what trials are being conducted and where.  One of the obvious reasons I didn't consider going the trial route was the opportunity to do the triple therapy with 24 trt, rather than 48 weeks.  Sounds very appealing, but since I've already begun SOC with UND at 4 weeks and the sx are managable.  I think it might be bad idea to alter things unless there is a change in my next PCR, about a month away.  

It helps to understand what alternative are available if needed.  I went the traditional GI route because that is the only route I knew was available.  This forum has opened my eyes to other options if needed.  Thank you.

[mlkinmb]

I've been on the trail of researching trials which may admit me, it all gets very confusing.  Mainly I'm looking at trials in case I don't get coverage through Medicaid, I'm currently in the appeals process with the SSA, unemployed and no insurance, even if I could afford coverage, no insurance would take me. I am hoping that the Infectious Diseases Doctors may be able to find something or have help through Drug Assistance programs. I've never treated and the treatment worries me also, but I'm ready to take the plunge. I need to wait for results of my next CT scan to check stability of lesions which were seen on my liver and right kidney during biopsy. I registered with a site called researchmatch.com the other day, it sounds like a good thing and you can always unsubscribe. If I was selected for a trial, I would need to a lot more research, being placed on placebo also worries me.
Sorry to ramble, I didn't really answer any of your question! Best to you, Mike

[andy_k]

ps
the link:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/

[andy_k]

i'm kinda looking for a clinical trial in Canada.

it looks like my insurance covering the SOC meds, so my reasons to look for trial are :

1. chance to cut the tx time to 24 week instead of 48
2. better chance to SVR, 70% instead of 40% with SOC
3. in the trials that i was looking to get into, you get SOC+placebo or SOC+study drug, so you get SOC anyways...

[flcyclist]

trials not trails.  although being on trails is good too.