The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a clinical trial as any research study that prospectively assigns human participants or groups of humans to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.
The Alliance does not endorse any particular research study and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided by the investigator or the accuracy of the information provided by the searchable databases.
clinical research
development of new treatments
Participation in a clinical trial is an important tool in the development of better health outcomes for those with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. In this section, we explain the types of clinical trials and provide tools to help you decide if a clinical trial may be right for you.
Follow this link to search clinical trial databases for pheo and para clinical trials.
Types of Clinical Trials
Diagnostic Trials
Diagnostic trials determine better tests or procedures for diagnosing a particular disease or condition.
Natural History Studies
Natural history studies provide valuable information about how disease and health progress.
Prevention Trials
Prevention trials look for better ways to prevent a disease in people who have never had the disease or to prevent the disease from returning.
Quality of Life Trials
Quality of life trials (or supportive care trials) explore and measure ways to improve the comfort and quality of life of people with a chronic illness.
Screening Trials
Screening trials test the best way to detect certain diseases or health conditions.
Treatment Trials
Participation in clinical trials for those with progressive disease is critical to finding new treatments for pheo para. Treatment trials test new treatments, new combinations of drugs, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.
Phases of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are conducted in “phases.” The trials at each phase have a different purpose and help researchers answer different questions.
Phase I Trials
An experimental drug or treatment in a small group of people (20–80) for the first time. The purpose is to evaluate its safety and identify side effects.
Phase II Trials
The experimental drug or treatment is administered to a larger group of people (100–300) to determine its effectiveness and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase III Trials
The experimental drug or treatment is administered to large groups of people (1,000–3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it with standard or equivalent treatments.
Phase IV Trials
After a drug is licensed and approved by the FDA researchers track its safety, seeking more information about its risks, benefits, and optimal use.