Monday, March 17, 2025

If I EVER get any kind of cancer, I'll REFUSE chemo. However, I'll happily try experimental treatments in clinical trials. Anything I must know ahead of time about undergoing experimental treatments that fight against cancer?

 

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If I EVER get any kind of cancer, I'll REFUSE chemo. However, I'll happily try experimental treatments in clinical trials. Anything I must know ahead of time about undergoing experimental treatments that fight against cancer?

What are all the upsides and downsides of submitting to clinical trials that perform experimental cancer treatments on its test subjects?

Edit: Chemo seems like too medieval of a treatment. My quality of life would take too sharp of a dive if I ever submit to it, so I wouldn't.

Edit 2: I have heard and read about too many Horror Stories of the side effects of chemo, so that's why I am way too afraid to submit to it now if I were to ever get cancer, so I would much rather submit to anything else.

 

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[–]bryanoak 19 points  

May i ask why?

Chemo has been proven to work. And, i know several people who’s lives have been saved by chemo. So, why would you not?

Clinical Trials are typically when all other treatments have failed

[–]Expensive_Camp2551 6 points  

Yes. Trials are set up with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most require that a subject fail conventional therapy prior to enrolling. Phase I studies would potentially be an option.

[–]Swimming_Onion_4835 13 points  

Yeah you’re not going to get into an experimental trial with no attempts at other medical treatments. There are very specific rules, they don’t just accept anybody on a whim. I don’t understand why you would refuse chemo but happily put experimental compounds in your body.

I don’t know what kind of trolling this is, but this is a subreddit for people who work in clinical research. Not for info on drug trials.

[–][deleted] 16 points  

You won’t be allowed to participate in most clinical trials in oncology as most require you to have tried and failed with the standard of care. Sorry but judging by how your post was written, I don’t think clinical trials are right for you

[–]BattingNinth 6 points  

You’re being an idiot.

[–][deleted] 5 points  

I’m laughing too hard at this but like you’re not wrong!

[–]VolumeTraditional419 5 points  

this is such a strange fucking post

[–]Cucaracho_satanico 4 points  

I'm guessing OP thinks clinical trials are just some mad scientist cackling in a lab, injecting people with glowing mystery potions and hoping for the best.

[–]Different123_ 3 points  

cancer isn’t just one disease, sometimes chemo is the best option by a long shot and you’d just be playing with your life refusing it. like others said also sometimes the inclusion/exclusion criteria requires you to have relapsed or been refractory to standard of care

[–]Massive_Bio 1 point  

Hey there, it’s great that you’re thinking ahead and exploring all available options when it comes to cancer treatments.

Clinical trials are an important way to access emerging therapies that are being studied for their effectiveness against cancer. They vary widely—some involve new drug combinations, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or even non-drug interventions. Each trial has its own structure, potential risks, and benefits, so it’s always good to be well-informed before making a decision.

Being proactive about your health decisions is important, and we’re here if you ever need guidance. 💙

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