Important to boost interest, support for clinical trials

It is encouraging that a new medication undergoing a clinical trial has displayed positive results (“Cancer drug in S’pore clinical trial shows promising results”: June 27).

Such findings — that there are medical options available — must be published and shared with the general public for better awareness and education.

Healthcare providers should also speak with patients about the best treatment option for them.

Cancer has become a common illness among Singaporeans. Clinical trial drugs might offer patients the chance to keep their cancer under control and might eventually cure them of the illness.

It is important that the Government continues to provide funding and an interest in clinical trial drugs, to test the viability of treating a larger spectrum of patients.

The National University Cancer Institute Singapore should continue with comprehensive collaborations between researchers and clinicians to come up with better, more efficient trials that can benefit more patients, especially those with diseases that are still progressing.

With continued dialogue between healthcare providers and the Health Ministry, such trials can be done ethically and effectively, with measurable outcomes.

It is necessary to cultivate a supportive environment for researchers and patients during the course of clinical trials of drugs for treating illnesses that are aggressive and in the advanced stages.

Successful trials can not only save more patients’ lives but also increase confidence in the reliability of trial drugs, giving patients hope of being treated.

Of course, an evaluation of whether a patient is suitable for a trial is necessary, and those who embark on a trial should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.

Also, healthcare providers should address misconceptions surrounding clinical trials.

In boosting the credibility of clinical trials, patients who have undergone successful treatment via trial drugs could give their testimonies.

And once a drug has been registered for treatment, healthcare providers should make it known to patients.

I hope that more new treatments can be made available to benefit a larger pool of patients.