There are many different types of clinical trials with each type serving a different purpose. According to the National Institutes of Health, these are the different types of clinical trials:
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Natural history studies provide valuable information about how disease and health progress.
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Prevention trials focus on finding out how to prevent a disease or disorder from occurring or recurring in patient populations. The prevention strategies studied may be based on medicines, vaccines, minerals, or on improving lifestyle habits.
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Screening trials test the best way to detect certain diseases or health conditions
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Diagnostic trials look to improve the way diseases are diagnosed, using new procedures or tests.
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Treatment trials look at the benefit and hazards of new drugs or interventions.
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Quality of Life trials seek to enhance the well-being or quality of life of patients with particular diseases or disorders.