Clinical Trial Phases

Clinical trials are often referred to in terms of phases. Here's what that means:

Phase I trials evaluate new (investigational) cancer drugs and drug combinations in patients with advanced cancer. A phase I trial usually enrolls only a small number of patients, sometimes as few as a dozen.

Phase II trials evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of new treatments for specific cancers. Phase II studies usually focus on a particular type of cancer.

Phase III trials test new drugs, new drug combinations or new surgical procedures in comparison to current standards. A participant will usually be assigned to the standard group or the new group at random. Phase III trials often enroll large numbers of people and may be conducted at physicians' offices, clinics and cancer centers nationwide.

Source: National Cancer Institute

For more information about clinical trials at the Institute, contact a member of Levine Cancer Institute Oncology Research Management Team at 980-442-2000.