In most clinical trials, there is an interim analysis before the trial is complete. The trial will be stopped if the results show that the treatment or intervention is not helping. If results are promising, the trial will continue. In some trials, patients who are receiving placebo or the standard treatment and the approval process is given high priority.

At the end of each clinical trial, the final results are reviewed, analyzed, presented at medical meetings, and published. You may also be given the results. If the new treatment or intervention is proven safe and effective, it may lead to the next phase of testing or it may be submitted to Health Canada for review and approval. Once approved, it may become the new standard treatment or intervention for a specific type and stage of cancer.

Clinical trials are constantly changing the standard of care to bring new and better treatments and interventions to the forefront.