Why do we study children?
Children are a special population with distinct developmental and physiologic differences from adults. Clinical trials in children are critical because they help researchers discover the best way to treat children. Because their bodies work differently from adults, developing child-specific medicines and treatments is essential instead of just modifying adult dosing and therapy.
Clinical trials in children need to pass rigorous ethical evaluations and meet certain standards before being allowed to recruit patients.
How can my child join a clinical trial?
Talk to your team to find out if any studies might suit your child and their particular brain tumor.
Researchers have specific requirements when enrolling participants. Clinical trials follow a plan known as a protocol. The protocol describes who is eligible for each study. Each study must include only the people who meet the requirements for the study. Eligibility criteria are different for each study and include factors such as age, sex, type and grade of the brain tumor, previous treatment history, and whether other health problems are present.
What is informed consent?
Before your child is enrolled in a study, you and your child must understand the risks and benefits of participating. Informed consent is the process of learning about the risks and benefits of treatment, asking questions about it, and deciding if it is right for your child.
For your child to participate in a study, your team will ask one or both parents/legal guardians to give written permission. By signing the consent, you are saying that your team has told you about the risks and benefits of the treatment, you have asked all your questions, and they have answered them.