What role do clinical trials play in oncology?

Clinical trials are essential to the advancement of oncology as they are specifically designed to evaluate new treatments and therapies for safety and efficacy. These structured research studies help to determine whether a new drug, therapy, or combination treatment is effective in improving patient outcomes compared to existing standards of care. Clinical trials provide rigorous scientific data that can lead to new treatment options, contribute to medical knowledge, and ultimately inform evidence-based practice in oncology. This process includes careful monitoring of participants, collecting data on side effects, and assessing how well the treatment works, which is critical for ensuring that new therapies are both safe and beneficial for patients.