What Patients Should Know About Clinical Trials at The University of Kansas Cancer Center

Clinical trials can sound intimidating, especially if you’re hearing about them for the first time. The truth is, cancer trials play an important role in improving cancer care and in testing new ways to prevent, diagnose or treat disease.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is nationally recognized for its commitment to bringing research directly to its patients. The cancer center’s Clinical Trials Office plays a central role in that by coordinating studies and supporting trial participants throughout the process. The JCERT-supported KU Clinical Research Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for clinical trials and houses all research functions, including on-site labs, in one place.

Tara Lin, MD, medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, spends a lot of time educating patients about clinical trials. Believing in a straightforward and honest approach, Dr. Lin shares her answers below to patients’ most frequent questions.

“Am I going to be a guinea pig?”

Absolutely not. By the time a treatment reaches a clinical trial, it has undergone years of research and multiple safety reviews. Participants in trials are often monitored more closely than those receiving standard care.

“Will I lose control of my care?”

Participants remain in the driver’s seat. Joining a trial is your choice, and you can leave at any time. Your oncologist remains your primary doctor and the trial team becomes an added layer of support. Most trials compare the current best treatment to a new approach, so patients are never asked to accept less than the standard of care.

“Aren’t trials only for people with no other options?”

Not anymore. Many trials are designed for people who are newly diagnosed. Some even focus on prevention or supportive care.

A good example is myeloMATCH, a national precision‑medicine initiative for people with suspected acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The University of Kansas Cancer Center was the first site in the country to enroll a participant, reflecting its leadership in leukemia research.

MyeloMATCH stands out because people are screened at diagnosis, not after other treatments fail. It involves rapid molecular testing to match patients quickly to the right sub-study. The program includes multiple trials tailored to specific genetic features of AML and MDS.

Our goal is for every newly diagnosed patient to have access to a personalized treatment path from the start.

“Will I get a placebo?”

In cancer trials, you will never receive a placebo instead of treatment. You always get active therapy – either the standard treatment or the standard treatment plus the new option being studied.

“Is it safe?”

Safety is the foundation of every trial. We monitor participants closely and adjust treatment immediately if needed. Programs like myeloMATCH, are designed to evolve as new discoveries emerge, creating a “living” research pipeline that improves over time.

“Will this make my life harder?”

Most participants feel more supported, not less, during their treatment. Trial teams help coordinate appointments, answer questions and guide you through every step. Some trials even use telehealth or streamlined testing to reduce burdens on patients and families.

If you’re considering a clinical trial, good information makes all the difference. The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s Clinical Trial Finder app offers an easy way to browse open studies and learn what might be available. The app is available for iOS and Android users. To download, go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “KUCC Clinical Trial Finder”. From there, download the app to your personal device.