If you've been diagnosed with cancer, and treatments like immunotherapy aren't working, that doesn't necessarily mean there's no hope. You can play a more significant role in your own health care. 
‍
Read one story about a Melbourne woman, Michelle Shepherd, whose immunotherapy treatments stopped working and was told by her doctor that her cancer was incurable, yet found a promising treatment that is now keeping her alive.

A single mother’s fight for treatment

Back in 2017, Michelle began experiencing some chest and shoulder pain. She also had trouble breathing and a mild cough. Her doctor became concerned and sent her to the hospital for additional testing. That was when she received a stage 3-B, non-small-cell lung cancer diagnosis that shattered her world.
‍
She had a large tumor that spread from her lung to her spine, causing vertebrae damage. Her doctor immediately started her on radiation and chemotherapy, telling her surgery was too risky. Unfortunately, it didn't produce the results they had hoped for, and since her mobility was already compromised, they decided surgery was her best chance after all.
‍
She also began immunotherapy treatments after her surgery, which was meant to help improve her immune system's ability to identify and target cancer cells. Despite more than two years of immunotherapy treatments, her cancer came back and was spreading into her adrenal glands, lymph nodes, brain, and chest. It was a devastating blow and put her through yet another emotional and physical roller coaster ride.

The promise of clinical trials

Her doctor then spoke to her about a clinical trial involving a promising state-of-the-art drug, which she began, but had to stop because, when combined with her immunotherapy, it was causing side effects.
‍
Fortunately, because she had such a great relationship with the clinical trial team of doctors, she was recommended another drug that was more tailored for her specific needs and has proved to be a winning solution for her. After a year on this new drug, her cancer stabilized and her health has improved — all with no side effects.

It’s not always easy to find the right cancer clinical trial

Doctors are limited to current treatments and require accessible pharmaceutical advancements and clinical trials. Clinical trials can provide hope in what might otherwise seem like impossible cases.
‍
Cancer patients have opportunities available to them. Many, however, aren't aware of certain treatments, unless they've been recommended by their doctors.

Take the patient journey into your own hands

The good news is that you can take your own health into your own hands by signing up for a clinical trial. 
‍
You can be part of the teams transforming medicine that can achieve results that today's standard of care doesn't make possible. 
‍
By participating in a clinical trial, you can help doctors and researchers reach the next approval stage to release these revolutionizing medications to patients all over the world.

Are clinical trials safe?

There are strict rules that clinical trial researchers must follow to ensure the safety of the participants. The Federal Government enforces these rules. Every clinical trial follows a comprehensive and safe study protocol or plan that will be followed precisely by the researchers. The head researcher, or principal investigator makes sure this protocol or study plan is followed.

Find clinical trials for your condition today

Use HealthMatch to search for your condition and find the right clinical trial for you. You could get access to life-changing medication and help generations of patients overcome their illness.
‍
We'll find trials that match your needs, free of charge. We won't stop our search until we find the ideal trial for you. 
‍
Through clinical trials, you gain access to essential treatments and medicine that's not available to the public yet at a reduced cost, will be closely monitored, and will have the chance to help others. Start your search today.