News reports abound with details about research studies involving new drugs or medical breakthroughs that offer hope for future treatments or cures. The problem is in interpreting the results and ascertaining if, when, and how they will affect you. Clinical trials dont come with a handy explanatory guide, so youre left to weigh the implications and discuss them with your doctor. Clinical trials can be pretty technical, says Chad Deal, MD, head of the Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease at Cleveland Clinic. Its not always easy for physicians to look at a study and decide how valid it is and how it can be applied to their patient population.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber.
Sign in