What are the different types of clinical trials?

• Treatment trials test new treatments. New treatments for cancer may include a new cancer drug, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new treatment methods such as immunotherapy.
• Prevention trials test new approaches to cancer prevention. New approaches may include medicines, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements that doctors believe may lower the risk of a certain type of cancer. These trials look for the best way to prevent cancer in people who have never had cancer, prevent cancer from coming back or prevent a new cancer from occurring in people who have already had cancer.
• Screening trials test the best way to find cancer, especially in its early stages.
• Quality of life trials (also called supportive care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients.

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