Participate in a Study

There are several trials under way at Seattle Cancer Alliance for autoimmune diseases. Current trials are open are for adults with Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and rare neurological disorders. Current trials open for pediatric autoimmune diseases include Pediatric Systemic Sclerosis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Dermatomyocitis and Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Patients who participate in clinical trials have the first chance to benefit from treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more about the disease. Although clinical trials may pose some risk, researchers take careful steps to protect people who take part. For more information on clinical trials, a patient should talk to his or her doctor.

Clinical trials come in four phases. In Phase I trials, investigators are trying to determine the most effective and safe dosage. In Phase II trials, which involve a larger group of patients, researchers try to establish the response rates, response durations and determine what side effects will occur. Phase III trials compare the experimental treatment with the standard treatment. Phase IV trials monitor the effects of long-term usage.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Clinical Trials