Sometimes you may not be able to find a trial. This is because there are usually only a small number of trials running at one time and they often have strict joining criteria to keep participants safe. Here we suggest some alternative options. 

Non-Osteosarcoma-Specific Clinical Trials

Sometimes in phase 1 trials a drug will be tested on several different cancers. This provides information on which cancers are mostly likely to respond to a new drug and direct the research as it advances to the next phases. There are centres across the world dedicated to phase 1 studies (also referred to as early access trial centres).  

There are several early phase trials that have not been included in our database. This is because it only covers trials which are specifically recruiting osteosarcoma patients.  Here are some suggestions to help find these trials.

• Your doctor may be aware of early access trial centres. They may even be able to recommend a specific trial and put you in contact with the trial lead.
• The IKCC (Innovative Therapies for Children with CancerA disease where cells divide and grow uncontrollably and can spread to other areas of the body. in Europe) have a list of early phase clinical trial centres in Europe for children and adolescents.

Expanded Access Programmes 

If their are no treatment options or clinical trial available to you, Expanded Access Programmes (EAP), also known as compassionate use programmes, are an option for some people.  Expanded Access programmes enable patients to obtain early access to medicines that are not currently licensed for osteosarcoma, when other treatment options are not working. The medications may be in clinical trials or approved for use in some countries but not others.

It is always important to discuss having early access to a drug with your doctor. If your doctor feels a drug might be suitable but is having difficulty accessing it there are some organisations that can help. Please contact us and at contact@osteosarcomanow.org and we can put you in touch.