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How to Find a Clinical Trial

OVERVIEW

How to Find a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials have strict criteria for eligibility. Speak to your doctor about your interest in clinical trials. Your doctor will be a good resource to help you determine what is best for you.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS

Learning more about clinical trials may make it easier for you to talk to your doctor about possible studies. Some resources for learning about clinical trials include:

  • ClinicalTrials.gov – to search for available trials
  • National Cancer Institute – offers basic information on clinical trials
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology – provides an introduction to
    cancer research for patients
  • NETRF – highlights new NET clinical trials in the monthly e-update newsletter and explains clinical trials in an episode of the NETWise podcast. You can subscribe to NETRF’s e-update newsletter and listen to our podcasts.

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