Understanding Cancer Clinical Trials: Navigating Your Options with Confidence
Cancer clinical trials can be life-changing opportunities for patients dealing with high-risk or complex cancers. In this informative webinar, Sagely Health CTO Jeremy chats with Dr. Jason Sager (pediatric oncologist and founder of Sagely Health) to demystify how trials are structured, how to qualify, and what it’s really like to participate.
Key Discussion Points & Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and Introductions
Dr. Sager’s background in pediatric oncology and drug development sets the stage for why clinical trials are so critical for advancing cancer treatments.
02:48 – Is ClinicalTrials.gov Accurate?
Not always. Learn why this regulatory database is often out of date and how to confirm a trial’s current status.
07:31 – Randomization & Blinding
Ever wonder if you might end up on a placebo? Dr. Sager clarifies what randomization and blinding mean, especially in cancer research.
09:16 – Trial Crossover Design
Some trials allow you to “cross over” to an experimental treatment if standard-of-care isn’t working. Discover when and how this applies.
11:31 – Multiple Trial Sites
Can the same trial be at different phases in different locations? This section explains how sponsors coordinate multiple centers.
13:51 – Focus on One Trial or Many?
Should you chase that one “perfect” trial or find a cancer center offering multiple options? Weigh the pros and cons.
16:16 – Spotting Red Flags
Not all trials are created equal. Learn warning signs that suggest a study may not be worth your time or travel.
18:05 – Crucial Questions to Ask
From logistics to benefits and risks—key queries every patient should raise before signing on the dotted line.
21:41 – Common Reasons Patients Get Turned Down
Why are some applicants rejected, and is there a way to improve eligibility? Strategies for navigating tight inclusion criteria.
23:53 – Flexibility in Eligibility Criteria
Dr. Sager discusses how trial requirements can shift over time—and what that means for you.
26:31 – Slots, Waitlists, & Cohorts
How open “slots” are filled, what waitlists mean, and why timing can be everything in enrolling.
29:18 – Informed Consent
The paperwork might look intimidating, but here’s how to parse it and the questions to ask at this crucial stage.
34:23 – Keeping Your Oncologist
A clinical trial doesn’t mean giving up your existing care team. Learn how multiple doctors can work in tandem.
37:54 – Life on a Trial
What does day-to-day participation look like? Hear about scheduling, follow-up scans, and side-effect monitoring.
45:26 – Leaving or Switching Trials
If a trial doesn’t pan out, or you see a better option, can you switch? Discover what “washout periods” are and why they matter.
50:00 – Why High-Risk Cancers Benefit
For tough-to-treat cancers, experimental therapies might offer new hope. Dr. Sager emphasizes how matching genetics to trials can be game-changing.
52:01 – Sagely Health’s Role
An inside look at how we track every open cancer trial and help guide patients toward their most promising options.
How Sagely Health Can Help
We believe every cancer patient deserves a personalized approach—especially if your treatment is no longer straightforward. Our team:
- Analyzes Advanced Diagnostics – We pinpoint relevant biomarkers and genetic data to match you with trials tailored to your cancer’s profile.
- Offers Expert Guidance – Led by Dr. Jason Sager, our specialists walk you through trial eligibility, informed consent, and potential outcomes.
- Provides Ongoing Support – We’re with you every step of the way, from initial screening to travel logistics and beyond.
