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We are currently studying the use of a 3D printed bolus in patients receiving external beam radiation therapy. A bolus is a flat piece of rubber-like material placed on top of your skin, which increases the radiation dose to your skin and to the tissues right below it.
This study focuses on bolus preparation by creating a customized bolus with 3D printing and comparing it to a conventionally prepared bolus.
The bolus that works best for you will be used in your actual treatment.
To be eligible patients must be:
Your participation in the study will require receiving two additional CT scans than would not be required if you were not on this study.
The amount of radiation exposure involved in this study will not be significantly greater than the exposure if you did not take part in the study.
There are no additional costs for participating in the study.
To learn more about this study, contact
Aniko Vigh
Director, Office of Clinical Research
avigh@tulane.edu
504-988-6121
What Are Clinical Research Studies?
Clinical research studies involve people for testing ways to treat and prevent cancer. All of today’s standard cancer treatments are a result of clinical research studies completed many years ago.
Facts About Clinical Research Studies
What Are the Benefits?
Although there are risks with any treatment, there are also many benefits of taking part in a clinical research study. For example:
What Are the Risks?
Before taking part in a clinical study, talk to your doctor about some of the risks involved with your treatment. For example:
New drugs or treatments may not be any better than the standard care they are being compared to.
New treatments may have side effects that are not expected.
If you are in a randomized study, you will not be able to choose if you are getting the new treatment or the standard approach.
Health insurance may not cover all your costs.
You may be required to make more frequent visits to the doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Before joining a clinical study, you may want to ask your doctor questions about the study and your treatment.
How Can I Join a Clinical Research Study?
If you are interested in joining a clinical study, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find out if a study is right for you.
The National Cancer Institute can give you information on current research studies. Call 1-800-4-CANCER or visit www.cancer.gov to learn more.
Who Pays for a Clinical Research Study?
Before taking part in a clinical study, it's important to ask what your costs will be.