Taking Part in a Cancer Clinical Trial
CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS ARE IMPORTANT.
Cancer clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat cancer. Here’s how these studies help:
- Understand how therapies work
- Prescribe safe treatment doses
- Make treatment standards better
- Improve future public health
PEOPLE WHO TAKE PART ARE KEY MEMBERS OF THE STUDY TEAM.
Participants help by giving honest information, doing the study activities—appointments, labs, and scans—following directions, and telling the team if anything changes.
Participation is fully voluntary, and participants may choose to leave at any time.
CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS HAPPEN IN PHASES.
In each phase, different things are learned about the treatment. Patient safety is always the top priority.
CHAT WITH CLARA, OUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT.
This tool helps answer questions and provides more detailed information about clinical trials.
When You Join a Clinical Trial
Plan approved.
You find out about the study.
WHAT IS INFORMED CONSENT?
This is when you learn about the clinical trial before you decide to take part. You sign a document if you decide to join the trial. The document explains the following:
- What the trial is for
- What steps you will go through
- What benefits there might be
- What risks there might be
You can make the choice that is best for you. Even if you sign the document, you can still change your mind. You can leave the trial at any time.
You sign the informed consent.
You qualify to be in the study.
You get the new treatment or your usual care.
Doctors monitor your health and safety throughout the study.
Every current treatment was first tested in a clinical trial.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
WHAT ABOUT NONMEDICAL COSTS?
Cost concerns are common and should not stop you from asking about a clinical trial. Participating in a cancer clinical trial may involve additional clinic visits, which can mean additional transportation, lodging, or time away from work. If these challenges feel overwhelming, you are not alone. Our team is here to help every step of the way. The clinical research coordinator can connect you to free available resources.
DOES INSURANCE COVER CLINICAL TRIALS?
Health insurance typically covers standard medical care. In a clinical trial, the study usually pays for any extra care or tests related to the research. Your doctor or clinical research team will discuss any additional costs with you and answer your questions before you begin treatment. If something is not covered, our team can work with you to explore other options.
MEET THE TEAM SUPPORTING YOU FROM START TO FINISH
Principal investigator (PI): Lead doctor or scientist in charge of the trial
Study doctors and nurses: Team that cares for people in the study
Research coordinators: Main points of contact for participants
Research pharmacist: Safely stores, prepares, and tracks the study drug
People behind the scenes:
- Clinical trials office team: Ensures things go smoothly during the trial
- Institutional review board: Makes sure clinical trials are safe and fair
- Sponsors: Help cover the costs of the study
5 Answers to Know
1. Every treatment we have today was first tested in a clinical trial. Clinical trials explore new ways to find and treat disease. These studies add to our knowledge about cancer and help improve care for people now and in the future.
2. Clinical trials may provide access to new treatments. Patients may get drugs or treatments not yet available to everyone. These might have better results than the current best standard treatments.
3. Patient safety is top priority. Every clinical trial has an in-depth safety review by a team of doctors before patients can join. Patients are watched very closely and their safety is always our top priority. The care team will share any possible risks or side effects.
4. Most costs are covered by health insurance or the study sponsor. Clinical trials are not free. Much of the cost is covered by insurance or the study sponsor. Each trial is different, so cost information will be provided to you by your care team.
5. Participation is completely voluntary. Talk to your doctor to see if a clinical trial is a good option for you. Participating is always your choice, and you can leave at any time for any reason.
Explore More
ASK your doctor or nurse about clinical trials that might be right for you.
CONNECT with others who have participated in cancer research to hear their experiences.
LEARN more by contacting the Cancer Learning Center. This free resource is available to everyone. Cancer information specialists help find local and national resources:
Questions and Answers about Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are important studies that help us find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Here are answers to common questions.
Q: Are trials only for people with no other treatment option?
A: No. Studies test new drugs or drug combinations for many types and stages of cancer. The goal is to find better treatments and improve the quality of life for all people with cancer. Any patient who meets the requirements can take part.
Q: Once you have signed up, can you ever change your mind?
A: Yes. Being on a clinical trial is always your choice. Talk with your doctor if you want to stop at any time and for any reason.
Q: Once you have signed up, can you ever change your mind?
A: Yes. Being on a clinical trial is always your choice. Talk with your doctor if you want to stop at any time and for any reason.
Q: Are some patients given just a placebo that doesn't treat the disease?
A: No. No one is ever given only a placebo. Every patient in a cancer clinical trial gets at least the current best course of treatment for that disease.
Q: Are clinical trials safe?
A: Yes. But clinical trials have risks, like any medical treatment. Patient safety is the top priority. Doctors closely monitor every patient throughout the study.
How to be part of clinical trials
Patient participants are essential to clinical trials. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is right for you. Each study accepts patients with a specific type and stage of cancer. In general, you must meet these conditions.
- Doctors have diagnosed and checked the stage of your cancer.
- A doctor has reviewed your general health, and your health meets study requirements.
- We have answered all your questions about the clinical trial.
- You understand the possible benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial.
- You have signed and submitted your informed consent form.
Before you decide to take part in a clinical trial, doctors and research teams will tell you all of the known benefits and risks. The team closely watches the health and safety of every patient.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS
- What are the benefits and risks of this trial?
- How often do I need to come into the hospital or clinic?
- What if I change my mind?
- How much will it cost?
- Will my daily life be affected?
- What resources are available to support me?
WHERE TO FIND AVAILABLE CLINICAL TRIALS
Speak to your doctor or nurse to learn about options that are a good fit for you
Talk to other people who have taken part in cancer research.
Search for clinical trials online