A clinical trial is a research study to find out if a new treatment provides better outcomes than the existing standard of care the best available known treatment. Clinical trials establish the effectiveness and safety of the latest cancer treatments. Treatment is effective if patients: Live longer (overall survival). There are 4 different types. The information below explains them. Clinical trials for brand spanking new treatments, most clinical trials are this sort. These clinical trials might study: A new drug or combination of drugs, A new way of doing surgery or giving radiation therapy, A new way to give treatments and Behavioral changes, such as exercise and diet, that can help people live longer. Doctors call the treatment they use already the "standard of care." they need to find out if a replacement drug or treatment works also or better. They also want to learn about side effects and make sure these are not too severe.