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Research and new methods

What is medical research: from question to answer

Medical research looks for answers to questions about disease and treatment using planned, checkable methods. Every leukaemia treatment used today was once research.

Last updated: ~1 min read
From question to answer
Figure 1.From question to answer.

01Short answer

Research starts with a question: why does a cell become cancerous, and which medicine helps more? Scientists then make a plan, collect data and test the result. Research happens in the laboratory (cells and animal models), through observation (patient data) and in clinical trials (with volunteers). Other scientists check and repeat the results. Only then does new knowledge reach practice. The road is long, because safety matters more than speed.

02Simple explanation

Question, plan, test.

Laboratory, observation, clinic.

Results: repeated.

Safety first.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect or treat disease in people.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Types

Basic (laboratory), observational and clinical research.

A smiling scientist working at a crowded laboratory bench
Figure 2.Work in a research laboratory

Ethics

Every study is reviewed by an ethics committee.

Data
Figure 3.Data — What is medical research: from question to answer

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TypesBasic (laboratory), observational and clinical research.
EthicsEvery study is reviewed by an ethics committee.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Hypothesis
An idea to be tested.
Ethics committee
An independent group that protects participants' rights.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Ask.
  • Test.
  • Repeat.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

How long does research take?

From the laboratory to the pharmacy often takes years.

Who pays for it?

Governments, universities, charities and companies; this should be stated openly.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How long does research take?

  2. Who pays for it?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  2. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  3. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: graft-versus-host disease
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: tyrosine kinase inhibitor
  6. NMDP (Be The Match). About transplant
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine release syndrome
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: mutation
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Evaluating Health Information
  10. U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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