Photograph by Darlyne A. Murawski, National Geographic. The peanut worm has a proboscis that resembles an elephantâs trunk, as well as a mouth that boasts an impressive array of tentacles. This bottom burrower feeds on organic materials found in mud and sand, and when done feasting it can turn the proboscis inside out to retract it inside its body.
Early clinical development is primarily composed of human proof of principle/pilot clinical studies â to confirm feasibility in human, explore patient populations and performance claims. Concomitantly, subsequent clinical trials are outlined and prepared for.
The pathologic stage (also called the surgical stage) is determined by examining tissue removed during an operation. Sometimes, if surgery is not possible right away or at all, the cancer will be given a clinical stage instead. This is based on the results of a physical exam, biopsy, and imaging tests. The clinical stage is used to help plan treatment. Sometimes, though, the cancer has spread further than the clinical stage estimates, and may not predict the patientâs outlook as accurately as a pathologic stage.