Clinical Trials Offer a ‘Win-Win’ for Patients and Progress

In a recent Dermatology Times interview, Peter Lio, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, reflected on the essential role of clinical trials in advancing dermatologic medicine.

Lio framed his perspective around 2 equally vital missions for dermatologists: caring for current patients and building toward the future. “If we believe, and I very strongly believe, that there are kind of 2 parts to this—there’s taking care of the individual patients, but then there’s also building towards the future,” he said. For Lio, participation in clinical trials allows clinicians to contribute to both simultaneously.

Using a metaphor drawn from Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, he illustrated the partnership between discovery and application. “Science discerns the laws of nature. Industry applies them to the needs of man,” he quoted, emphasizing that meaningful progress in dermatology depends on both scientific inquiry and practical implementation.

Clinical trials, he explained, serve as the critical bridge between these realms, helping physicians test new therapies, contribute to medical literature, and provide patients with early access to promising treatments. “We can help learn about new treatments, contribute to the literature, but also directly serve our patients,” Lio noted. “It can be a win-win.”

Lio also underscored the importance of ethical and thoughtful trial selection. “I’m picky about what kind of trials I take,” he admitted, noting that not all studies are designed equitably. Some, he cautioned, can leave patients “high and dry” after completion. However, when structured well, trials offer unique opportunities for patients with limited treatment options to receive care while advancing the field.

Ultimately, Lio’s comments highlight the balance between scientific rigor, industry collaboration, and patient-centered care. By engaging in clinical research, dermatologists not only expand therapeutic possibilities but also uphold their commitment to improving outcomes for current and future generations of patients.

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