Amanda McDowell

Melanoma clinical trials: A Q&A with the Melanoma Research Alliance

Skin cancer is more common than any other type of cancer, and melanoma causes a large majority of skin cancer-related deaths. While awareness surrounding melanoma and the importance of sun protection has risen in recent years, CDC research shows that melanoma rates have still doubled over the last three decades.

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10 conditions that cause memory loss

Not being able to recall an actor’s name or where you set down your keys is not always a major concern, but if these incidents are happening often — or causing you to forget life’s more important details — it’s understandable to worry.

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15 clinical trial patient recruitment companies (and how to choose one)

Updated July 2022:

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How we achieved a 72% randomization rate for a recent presbyopia trial [patient recruitment case study]

It’s common for people to have trouble seeing things close up as they age — this condition is called presbyopia, and it affects millions of people in the United States. Whether it’s reading a menu with ease or not having to strain to look at a phone screen, treatments for this condition can greatly improve the quality of life for those impacted.

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From research studies to your pharmacy shelves: the drug development process

When you head to the pharmacy to pick up medicine, you likely aren’t thinking about all the steps it had to take to get into your hands — but did you know that on average, it takes about ten years for a new medication to make it to market? This includes the six to seven years that the medicine will go through clinical trial phases, plus a few others that we’ll discuss below.

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5 solutions to clinical trial sponsor problems [infographic]

When performing medical research, clinical trial patient recruitment is frequently cited as the biggest obstacle to getting studies underway. In fact, 80% of studies fail to meet their patient recruitment goals within their targeted timeframe. Implementing the right clinical trial recruitment strategies is a must for advancing the field of medical research, but how can the sponsors of clinical ...

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Minorities in clinical trials: Why study populations need to match real-world ones

Clinical trials are vital to medical innovation. Before any drug can be stocked on pharmacy shelves, these studies must occur so researchers can evaluate its safety, efficacy, and impact on individuals with the condition in question.

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How to save time with a clinical trial recruitment plan template

Clinical trial patient recruitment is a time-consuming, expensive, and critical part of getting a new trial off the ground. While the idea of spending more time creating a detailed plan in advance may not sound particularly appealing, using a template can actually speed up recruitment timelines in the long run.

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How to increase patient recruitment in clinical trials

There are several ways to increase patient recruitment in clinical trials — from improving outreach materials to better patient communications to working with partners, there are many options for connection. However, for smart recruitment, the first step is to figure out why outreach efforts aren't working in order to find which solution has the best chance of attracting more interested, eligible ...

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Asthma clinical trials: Frequently Asked Questions

Asthma clinical trials need volunteers to participate so new treatments can progress. However, finding and volunteering for a clinical trial can be challenging. We answered some common questions about asthma clinical trials to help interested patients find opportunities that are a match for them.

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