Which side effects do I need to call my doctor about? Side effects of treatment are usually discussed with patients before the treatment is started. From the doctor's perspective, the side effects of greatest concern may be fever, breathing difficulties, hives or rashes, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and redness or pain at the IV site. From the patient's perspective, any side effect causing discomfort or limiting usual activity, such as diarrhea or nausea, is a concern. Report any side effects when they first appear. Sometimes the more common side effects can be managed with medications to reduce discomfort. To find detailed side effect information about particular drugs, see the free LLS booklet Understanding Side Effects of Drug Therapy.
What are clinical trials and how can I learn more about them? A clinical trial is a research study conducted by doctors. A treatment or drug must be studied in clinical trials before it can be considered for approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The aim of a cancer clinical trial is to - study a new drug or a new use for an approved drug - Compare a new treatment with standard treatment to find out which one works better and/or has fewer side effects. Every clinical trial has a precise treatment plan called a "protocol," which must be followed. Patients get a lot of attention and receive excellent cancer care. Clinical trials may be offered at community hospitals, cancer centers, and doctors' offices around the country A treatment that is proven safe and effective in a cancer clinical trial will often be approved by the FDA and become a standard treatment for future patients with cancer. A web-based clinical trial search service can be found on our Clinical Trials webpage, or by calling an LLS Information Specialist at 1-800-955-4572.
What is remission? A remission is a complete disappearance of a disease, usually as a result of treatment. The terms "complete" or "partial" are used to explain the term "remission." Complete remission means all evidence of the disease is gone. Partial remission means the disease is markedly improved by treatment, but residual evidence of the disease is present.
What does "Watch and Wait" or "Watchful Waiting" mean? This is an approach that is used to closely monitor a patient's condition without giving any treatment until symptoms appear or change. The doctor will monitor patients for disease progression and other signs and symptoms. It is often recommended for patients in early stages of indolent or chronic forms of blood cancers.