IRC Question of
the Month
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Q: At what age is a
patient not eligible for a clinical trial?
A: All clinical trials have
eligibility guidelines. These guidelines may be
based on the patient's age, the type and stage
of disease, previous treatment history and any
co-existing medical conditions; for example,
diabetes or high blood pressure.
Guidelines are sometimes called "inclusion
criteria" (the characteristics of patients who
may take part in the trial) and "exclusion
criteria" (the characteristics of patients who
cannot take part in the trial). Inclusion and
exclusion criteria are used to ensure that
patient participation is appropriate for the
goals of the trial and to produce reliable
medical research results.
Some older patients may assume clinical
trials are not for them. This is not necessarily
true. Studies have shown that age alone does not
reflect a person's overall health and ability to
benefit from a clinical trial. Many older adults
have been treated successfully in clinical
trials. According to reports, overall,
patients in clinical trials receive more
follow-up care and better disease and
side-effect management, compared
with patients receiving treatment outside
of clinical trial settings.
Nationwide participation in clinical trials
by older adults is growing. Participation
across age-groups helps doctors determine if a
treatment is safe and effective for people of
different ages. Some trials are not appropriate
for older adults or a subgroup of older adults,
such as those with serious medical
complications. But more trials are being offered
to older adults, and there are also trials
designed specifically for them.
It is important to discuss clinical trials as
an option with your doctor. Please also
contact LLS's Information Resource
Center (IRC) at ( 800) 955-4572 to
find out more about clinical trials and other
treatment options for older adults
with leukemia. You may also order the free
LLS booklet Understanding
Clinical Trials for Blood Cancers
.
As always,
we encourage patients, their families and
caregivers to turn to the IRC for information
and support. IRC specialists are available 9
a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Call us with your
questions at (800)
955-4572.
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