This resource was originally published by MPN Advocacy here.

Clinical trials are studies conducted using human participants by researchers to test how well a new drug, medical device, diagnostic tool, therapy, treatment or form of prevention, works to improve health, cure a disease, or improve quality of life. The goal is to test efficacy and safety.

Clinical trials are studies conducted using human participants by researchers to test how well a new drug, medical device, diagnostic tool, therapy, treatment or form of prevention, works to improve health, cure a disease, or improve quality of life. The goal is to test efficacy and safety.

If you have a disease, such as a myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) where other treatments, specifically all other treatments available for your disease, have failed to produce good results, participation in a clinical trial might provide you with a successful treatment before it becomes available to others. It may also provide better results for treatments you are currently using.  Clinical trials offer hope for many people and an opportunity to help researchers find better treatments for so many diseases. It is an admirable role to play in the process if you find yourself willing and able to do so. Clinical trials are at the heart of the medical advances achieved by the MPN community to treat myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia, and polycythemia vera.

Always consult your physician(s) and healthcare team when contemplating such a decision.