Sebas in his happy place, Jemez Springs, New Mexico. 7/18/2020

What is a natural history study?

The purpose of a natural history study is to collect information, tissue and tumor samples, and data from patients to better understand how cancer develops and grows. When researchers don’t know how cancer grows, it is much harder to design trials to test new treatments. Natural history studies help researchers understand cancer better.  

In a natural history study, you will meet experts who often have more experience with rare cancer than your home medical team. These experts can advise you on treatments for your cancer. Also, detailed analysis of your cancer in the natural history study may point to treatment trials that you may be eligible for.

By taking part in a natural history study, you can speed up the development of new treatments by giving researchers the tools they need to understand how cancer forms and grows, and to find new treatments. Researchers use natural history studies to look for trends and get new ideas on how to treat rare cancers.

What is the Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors?

Researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) are currently enrolling MEC patients in the Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors. Clinical and biological information collected in the study, including tumor tissue samples, will provide a better understanding of how MEC develops and grows and how we can more effectively treat these tumors.

Natural history studies compile information from a large number of patients to better understand the “history” of a disease over a long period of time. This study will provide us with a comprehensive, detailed understanding of the natural course of SEF from the time it forms, to when it first causes symptoms, and through every clinical stage after that.

What is the Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors?

The Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors is a natural history trial taking place at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The purpose of the trial is to collect information and samples from people with rare tumors and their relatives, and track their health history over a long period of time.

During this trial, we hope to learn more about how rare tumors develop and progress and new ways to control them.

Learn more about the Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors by viewing this infographic.