How to Find a Clinical Trial

If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, ask your doctor: “Is there a clinical trial that I can join?” If your doctor does offer you a trial, the following are some of the questions you may want to ask:

Questions about the trial

• What is the purpose of the trial?
• Why do the researchers believe that the treatment being studied may be better than the one being used at present? Why may it not be better?
• How long will I be in the trial?
• What kinds of tests and treatments are involved in the trial?
• How will the doctor know if the treatment is working?
• Who will be in charge of my care?
• Can I talk to someone who has been in the trial?

Questions about risks and benefits

• What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
• What are the possible benefits?
• How do the possible risks and benefits of this trial compare to those of the standard treatment?

Questions about your rights

• How will information related to my health be protected?
• What will happen if I decide to leave the trial?

Questions about costs

• Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
• What costs will my health insurance cover?

Questions about daily life

• How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
• Will I have check-ups after the trial?

Questions about comparing choices

• What are the other treatment choices available to me, including standard treatments?
• Will I know if I’m receiving the treatment being studied or a placebo?

Cancer.net offers additional questions you can ask your healthcare team about clinical trials and offers a link to a mobile app.