Therapeutic Intent

The research physician’s intent to provide some benefit to improving a subject’s condition (e.g., prolongation of life, shrinking of tumor, or improved quality of life, even though cure or dramatic improvement cannot necessarily be effected). This term is sometimes associated with Phase I drug studies in which potentially toxic drugs are given to an individual with the hope of inducing some improvement in the patient’s condition, as well as assessing the safety and pharmacology of a drug.