Tillie Cryer
Editor at BMC Series
Tillie has a Bachelor of Science in Bioveterinary Science and a Master of Research in Veterinary Microbiology. She has previous research experience in veterinary science and more recently, mental health and health services research. In 2017, Tillie joined BMC as an Assistant Editor and in 2019, became the Editor of BMC Dermatology, BMC Nephrology, BMC Urology, and BMC Veterinary Research.
Tillie is now the Editor of BMC Family Practice, BMC Health Services Research, and BMC Nutrition.
Tillie is now the Editor of BMC Family Practice, BMC Health Services Research, and BMC Nutrition.
Highlights of the BMC Series: May 2020
Are cancer patients better off if they participate in clinical trials? • Future delivery of a net-negative European power system • Nurses using computerized decision support systems perform better than GPs in telephone triage • New method to distinguish closely related species of butterflies • Route of administration impacts the pain-relief efficiency of buprenorphine in dogs
BMC Cancer – Are cancer patients better off if they participate in clinical trials? A mixed-methods study
Trial participation has not been found to provide better outcomes for cancer patients than standard care. With nearly one in six deaths estimated to be due to cancer, interest in innovative cancer research and treatment breakthroughs is high. A previous study showed that the information given to cancer trial participants and their physicians can be misleading, with information heavily focused on positive outcomes, with little information on the possible adverse effects or disadvantages of taking part. This can blur the boundaries between treatment and research, resulting in the belief that the best treatment for cancer provided within the context of a clinical trial. Through interviews and a systematic review of the literature, Nielsen et al. explored how physicians and nurses perceived the benefits of clinical trial participation and whether clinical trial participation provided better outcomes for cancer patients. Interviews revealed that there is a widespread belief amongst nurses and physicians that treatment for cancer, in the context of a clinical trial, is better than standard care. Many believed that recruiting patients to trials is a way to give them access to cutting-edge treatment. A search of the literature found no support for the belief that treatment in clinical trials is superior to standard care, despite rapid developments in cancer treatment in recent years. Lack of trial reporting transparency was also said to contribute to the belief that participating in trials is associated with better outcomes. Patient information sheets for cancer clinical trials should be designed to be free of suggestions that trial participation is the best treatment option for cancer patients. The focus should be shifted to encourage trial participation to further knowledge, to the potential benefit of future patients
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