What are clinical trials and how can I learn more about them?

Scientists are always looking for newer and better ways to treat bone marrow failure diseases. A clinical trial is a type of research study that tests how a drug, medical device or treatment approach works in people. The studies often are conducted through university medical research centers around the world. You may want to consider a clinical trial if you are not satisfied with how well standard therapies are working. You may want to explore whether you are eligible for a clinical trial to compare new treatments or new combinations of therapy against the standard approach to therapy.

Other types of research studies include diagnostic trials to find new ways to diagnose a disease, screening trials find the best way to detect a disease or health problem, quality of life (supportive care) trials to improve the comfort of people with chronic illness and prevention trials to look for better ways to prevent disease in people who have never had the disease.