Dr. Francis Char DeCroos, Southeastern Retina AssociatesQ: Do all clinical trials test experimental medicine?
A: All clinical trials are experimental, but not all test experimental therapies. For example, a clinical trial may test an existing, Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for a new disease. Or another clinical trial may test a new disease-monitoring technology or a new diagnostic test. Other clinical trials may test a different dose or different dosing schedule of an existing, FDA approved medicine looking for particular benefits.
Any person thinking about participating a clinical trial should receive detailed information about the risks, benefits and alternatives before deciding to participate.
– Dr. Francis Char DeCroos, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society