solid tumor Clinical Trials and Research
Also known as: malignant neoplasm, cancer, tumor, carcinoma, sarcoma, solid cancer · ICD-10: C00-C80
A solid tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that usually does not contain cysts or liquid, distinguishing it from liquid cancers like leukemia. Clinical trial research for solid tumors often explores new targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and advanced diagnostics to improve patient outcomes. Find a Trial helps patients search for active studies.
Common questions about solid tumor clinical trials
What makes someone eligible for a solid tumor clinical trial?
Eligibility criteria vary by study but often include tumor type, stage, prior treatments, and overall health status. Researchers use these criteria to ensure patient safety and collect meaningful data, as seen on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are the different phases of solid tumor clinical trials?
Clinical trials progress through phases 1, 2, and 3, each with different goals. Phase 1 assesses safety, phase 2 evaluates effectiveness, and phase 3 compares new treatments to existing ones, according to data from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Do clinical trials for solid tumors cost money to participate in?
Generally, the investigational treatment and study-related tests are provided at no cost. However, standard medical care costs and travel expenses may not be covered, as outlined in study protocols on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are current research directions for solid tumor treatments?
Current research focuses on precision medicine, where treatments target specific genetic mutations in tumors. Immunotherapy, oncolytic viruses, and novel drug combinations are also active areas of study, as evidenced by NIH RePORTER and ClinicalTrials.gov.
What types of interventions are commonly studied in solid tumor trials?
Common interventions include new chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies that block specific cancer growth pathways, immunotherapies that boost the body's immune response, and advanced radiation techniques. Surgical approaches are also investigated, according to ClinicalTrials.gov.
Are there specific biomarkers important in solid tumor clinical trials?
Yes, biomarkers like PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and specific genetic mutations (e.g., EGFR, BRAF) are often studied. These help identify patients most likely to respond to targeted therapies or immunotherapies, as shown on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are common reasons someone might be excluded from a solid tumor trial?
Common exclusion criteria include uncontrolled co-existing medical conditions, active infections, certain prior cancer treatments, or specific organ function impairments. These are in place to protect patient safety and ensure study integrity, according to ClinicalTrials.gov.
What is the patient experience like in a solid tumor clinical trial?
Patients typically undergo regular medical evaluations, receive the study intervention, and report any side effects. The experience involves frequent monitoring and close collaboration with the research team to gather important data, as described in study details on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How to find a solid tumor trial that fits you
- Describe your solid tumor situation in detail — stage if applicable, prior treatments, age, and other relevant conditions.
- Use the location filter (worldwide, US, US & Canada, Europe) to narrow to trials near you.
- Review each trial's eligibility criteria carefully. Save 2–5 candidates with their NCT numbers.
- Discuss with your treating clinician before contacting the research site.
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