Medical Research

What should I know before entering a clinical trial?

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DEAR DOCTOR K: I have prostate disease and treatment hasn't worked. My doctor suggested I participate in a clinical trial. I'd like to know more before I give him an answer.

DEAR READER: When established treatments aren't effective, participation in a clinical trial can be a good option. Such trials give you access to promising treatments that might work better than one already on the market. On the other hand, clinical trials test treatments that are still under investigation. There may be unpleasant or serious side effects. Clinical trials are designed to minimize risks to participants, but they cannot completely eliminate them.

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What is BPA? Is it harmful?

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DEAR DOCTOR K: Is the chemical BPA just another health scare? Or is it really something I should be worried about?

DEAR READER: BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is used to make a plastic known as polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is sturdy and resists shattering, so it's a great material for water and baby bottles. BPA is also used to line the inside of cans so the metal of the can doesn't directly touch the food or beverage. It's used in some dental sealants and as an ingredient in the paper on which many receipts are printed. So there's no question that we're exposed to BPA.

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