OCULAR MELANOMA CLINICAL TRIALS

Filling Out the Search Fields and Understanding Results:

• Instructions from ClinicalTrials.gov on "how to use search," "how to use advanced search," and "how to modify a search." 
• Glossary of Common Terms "will help you understand words and phrases frequently used [in search fields and results] on ClinicalTrials.gov."

When Searching ClinicalTrials.gov:

Search results will frequently differ depending on which term is placed in the "condition/disease" field. 

• To get started, look at search results using Ocular Melanoma to broadly describe the tumor. Then:
• If in the uvea, be sure to also try Uveal Melanoma (the most results in the database), and try again with the specific part of the uvea — Choroidal Melanoma, Iris Melanoma, or Ciliary Body Melanoma. 
• If in the conjunctiva, be sure to also try Conjunctival Melanoma. 

Phone, Online Chat, and Email Support During Search:

"NCI's Cancer Information Service provides accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information that is easy to understand and free of charge. Our trained information specialists provide personalized responses to a range of cancer questions, including tailored clinical trials searches." [Note: ClinicalTrials.gov includes in its database all of the NCI-supported clinical trials, which are those sponsored or otherwise financially supported by the National Cancer Institute.] 

1-800-422-6237 [toll free], Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Both phone support and one-on-one online chats are available during these hours. This service is also available in Spanish.

From National Cancer Institute

Topics include "What Are Clinical Trials?," "Paying for Clinical Trials," "Patient Safety," and "Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Clinical Trials." Be sure to click on the "+" sign next to each topic in the left-hand column of the guide to view subtopics. 

(Also available in Spanish.)

From American Cancer Society 

ACS provides a printable list of "Questions to Ask Before Joining a Clinical Trial" and discusses "Risks vs. Benefits" and "Common Concerns About Clinical Trials."

From TriageCancer.org

You can find information about clinical trials coverage by private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, or VA in the "How to Pay for a Clinical Trial" link accessed at the bottom of their page. Separately, their database of health insurance laws by state includes laws relating to clinical trials. 

From U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Human Research Protections

Resources include "Questions to Ask About Volunteering for a Research Study," "Regulations to Protect Research Volunteers," and "Short Videos About Participating in Human Research."

(Also available in Spanish.)

"Sometimes called 'compassionate use,' expanded access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or life-threatening disease or condition to try an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when there are no comparable or satisfactory therapies available. [...] There are times when it is not possible for a patient to be a part of a clinical trial. In those circumstances, expanded access may be the only way for a patient to receive an investigational medical product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is committed to increasing awareness about the expanded access process."

On the Advanced Search page of ClinicalTrials.gov:

• Fill in the "condition/disease" field. For example: Uveal Melanoma.
• Click on the "Expanded Access: Available" checkbox in the second column of the "status" list.
• Push the "Search" button at the top of the page for results that show currently available treatments for expanded access use.