Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials. These are research studies in which people take part voluntarily. Studies include new ways to treat cancer of the larynx. Research already has led to advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.

People who join these studies have the first chance to benefit from treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more about the disease. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers take very careful steps to protect their patients.

People with laryngeal cancer are participating in several types of treatment studies:

• Radiation therapy. Researchers are studying a new approach to radiation therapy. Patients receive radiation three times a day, 5 days a week, for just over 2 weeks, instead of once a day for 5 to 7 weeks.

• Drugs that reduce side effects. Researchers are testing therapies that reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. They are testing drugs that may help patients maintain their weight or help lessen damage to the skin during radiation therapy.

• Chemotherapy. Scientists are studying drugs that kill cancer cells. These drugs are used alone or in combination with radiation therapy to spare the larynx from surgery.

• Biological therapy. Scientists are studying monoclonal antibodies that slow or stop the growth of cancer.

If you are interested in learning more about joining a clinical trial, you may want to talk with your doctor. You may want to read the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies ¹. It explains how clinical trials are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. NCI’s Web site includes a section on clinical trials at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials. This section of the Web site provides general information about clinical trials. It also offers detailed information about specific ongoing studies of cancer of the larynx. The Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can answer questions and provide information from the NCI’s database of clinical trials.

Glossary Terms

Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Agents used in biological therapy include monoclonal antibodies, growth factors, and vaccines. These agents may also have a direct antitumor effect. Also called biological response modifier therapy, biotherapy, BRM therapy, and immunotherapy.