Clinical Trials
Advances in the treatment of uro-genital cancer, as well as other neoplasms, are achieved by studying new drugs in clinical trials. These studies are carried out under strictly controlled rules, which have been established and applied internationally in order to protect the health of the participants, to preserve their anonymity and to draw the safest and most scientifically proven conclusions on the safety and efficacy of the drugs being studied. The participation of a center in clinical trials is subject to an assessment to ensure that the center has the necessary quality in terms of infrastructure and staff to meet the requirements of conducting such trials.
As stated in article 18 (paragraph 1) of Government article 390/21-2-2013: 'The National Health System (NHS), along with the provision of health care, must have a research background (appropriate infrastructure and orientation) for the proper conduct of clinical research programs in the respective health structures, the results of which will be used to improve the medical care of patients'. It is the deep conviction of our Group that the possibility for our patients to participate in clinical studies enhances the quality of the services provided and the promotion and conduct of clinical and basic research in uro-genital cancer are the main objectives of its foundation.
Many centers in Greece participate in a large number of clinical trials involving patients with cancer of the uro-genital system (prostate, kidney, urothelial, testicular, penile cancers). Within the framework of its objectives, HGUCG offers its website as a communication platform to researchers who wish to announce studies in uro-genital cancer carried out in their centers.
The ideal person to tell you about the benefits of clinical research and to talk with you about taking part in one is the doctor who is currently monitoring you.
Frequently asked questions regarding participation in clinical studies
Participation in clinical trials has multiple advantages and ensures a very high level of treatment and monitoring within a strict framework, defined in the clinical protocol. Clinical trials ensure
1. The provision of modern treatment at no cost to the patient and no additional cost to the insurance provider
2. The opportunity to receive the most modern and promising treatments before they become available.
3. The possibility of receiving treatments beyond those already available, especially when treatment options are limited, as was the case just a few years ago with kidney cancer
4. The possibility of undergoing free of charge modern clinical and laboratory tests, e.g. cytogenetic tests, which are not covered by insurance funds and are very expensive
Participation in a clinical trial is completely VOLUNTARY. Your treating physicians provide you with the best possible care regardless of your participation in a clinical trial. Participation in a clinical trial is only recommended if it is really the best possible solution for the treatment of the disease and after full and detailed information of the patients
Your doctor is the best person to decide if participating in a study is the best treatment option for your problem. It is possible that the center you are attending may already be participating in a study suitable for your case.
As long as the treating physician has agreed, you can find contact details of the doctors in charge of the center where the study you are interested in is being carried out in the "Research-Clinical Studies in Greece" section of our website. You can also contact our Team (eeogek@yahoo.gr) on the same subject electronically.
Your potential involvement in a clinical trial is thoroughly reviewed by the investigator responsible for the center where the trial is being conducted. The investigator will determine whether you fulfil the inclusion criteria for the trial. The study protocol, not the investigators, typically rigorously defines these criteria, as well as your treatment and monitoring, if you are a participant in the study. There is no possibility of deviation from these guidelines. Nevertheless, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time if you so choose. In this scenario, the treatment you have been receiving and your follow-up in the study will be discontinued and will be continued in the most effective manner possible in accordance with the international guidelines, without your decision to withdraw from the study affecting your subsequent treatment plans.