COG’s goal is to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer through careful study, so that patients today can thrive in the future and we can learn from each child’s experience. Please talk with your care team about your questions and know that they want to provide the best care possible.
Many childhood cancers have established treatments, while others are rare and still being studied. Understanding the standard treatment for your diagnosis is an important first step.
Questions to Ask About Standard Treatment:
Clinical trials for children and adolescents often compare new approaches to standard treatment. Understanding how a clinical trial differs from standard care can help you decide whether participation is right for you.
In some cases, such as when no standard treatment exists or cancer has returned, trials may study new treatments on their own. These studies follow strict rules and are only conducted with clear explanation and consent from patients and families.
Questions to Ask About Clinical Trials:
Before enrolling in a trial, talk with your insurance providers about whether participation will be covered, and whether additional costs may be incurred. Your hospital’s financial counseling team can help you with this process.
Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches, such as drugs, treatments, or screening methods, work in people to improve care and quality of life. These studies are carefully designed and monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness, rely on voluntary participation, and are essential for turning scientific discoveries into real-world patient treatments.
