As indicated int the above answer, placebos are not used when there is an existing treatment. Control arms in clinical trials may be randomized to compare Best Available Treatment (BAT) to a new drug or to an existing drug + a new agent. There are also different types of clinical trial designs including platform, umbrella, and basket trials. It helps to understand what kind of clinical trial is proposed to understand what treatment options will be offered.
Placebos are rarely used in cancer clinical trials, as it would be unethical to withhold treatment. In most cancer studies, you'll receive either:
- Standard treatment alone
- Standard treatment plus the experimental treatment
You will always be informed upfront if there's any chance of receiving a placebo in your trial Show Full Answer