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When many people hear the words "clinical trial," they immediately think of a last resort.
But that's one of the biggest misconceptions in breast cancer care.
In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang sits down with Dr. Ada Waks, breast medical oncologist and clinical investigator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to demystify clinical trials and explain how they are shaping the future of breast cancer treatment.
Dr. Waks cares for patients across all stages of breast cancer while leading clinical research that helps develop tomorrow's treatments. Together, Laura and Dr. Waks discuss how clinical trials work, who they are designed for, and why patients should consider asking about them much earlier in their treatment journey.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What a clinical trial actually is
- The difference between Phase I, II, and III trials
- Randomized vs. blinded clinical trials
- Why clinical trials are not just for patients who have run out of treatment options
- How new breast cancer drugs become FDA-approved
- What informed consent really means
- How patient safety is protected
- Why clinical trial participants often receive additional monitoring and support
- How to find clinical trials that may be right for you
- The future of personalized breast cancer treatment
Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, navigating survivorship, or supporting a loved one, this episode provides an accessible introduction to one of the most important—and most misunderstood—aspects of cancer care.
About Today's Guest
Dr. Ada Waks is a breast medical oncologist and clinical investigator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She divides her time between caring for patients with breast cancer and leading clinical research focused on developing safer, more effective, and more personalized treatments. Dr. Waks also co-directs Dana-Farber's breast oncology clinical trials program, helping bring innovative therapies from the laboratory to patients.
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