The Importance of Clinical Trials in Rare Cancer Types

In the realm of oncology, clinical trials are essential for advancing treatment options, particularly for rare cancer types. While clinical research has greatly improved the treatment of more common cancers, rare cancers often do not receive the same level of attention. This is where the importance of clinical trials becomes particularly evident. Clinical trials help researchers understand the unique characteristics of rare cancers, develop targeted therapies, and improve patient outcomes.

Rare cancers, by definition, affect a small population of individuals, which makes it difficult to gather large-scale data through traditional methods. However, through well-designed clinical trials, researchers can gain critical insights into these cancers’ biology, progression, and response to treatments. Clinical trials can lead to the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets that are crucial for more personalized and effective care. Moreover, they provide access to leading-edge treatments that may not yet be available through standard protocols.

Moffitt is uniquely positioned to treat rare and complex cancers, with physicians focused on specific and rare disease. Our commitment to expanding clinical trials and improving outcomes for rare cancer patients is evident through our collaborative research efforts, which bring together clinicians and scientists to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

The research teams here have pioneered advancements in rare cancer treatment, focusing on cancers such as mesothelioma, sarcoma, and rare neuroendocrine tumors. Our institution's robust clinical trial infrastructure allows for rapid evaluation of emerging therapies and provides patients with access to potentially life-saving treatments. Moffitt is also at the forefront of integrating precision medicine into clinical trials, using genomic information to design individualized treatment plans for patients with rare cancers.

We deeply value our partnerships with referring providers and are committed to working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients, especially those diagnosed with rare cancers. Our goal is not to extend treatment unnecessarily but to provide leading-edge, innovative therapies that are most appropriate for each patient's needs. When the time is right, we work diligently to return patients to care closer to home, ensuring they continue to receive the necessary treatments without disruption.

By collaborating on clinical trials and sharing our expertise, we can jointly advance treatment options and improve the quality of life and prognosis for both current and future patients with rare cancers.

Some of the Rare Cancer Trials Currently Open: