Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Clincal Trial?

Clinical trials are research studies that involve patient volunteers to find different ways to treat diseases such as cancer. Each study is designed to answer specific scientific questions and to find potentially better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Why are Clinical Trials important?

Clinical trials are vital to the fight against cancer because they determine if an new treatment is safe and effective. Today's research will guide the improvements for tomorrow's cancer care.

What happens during a Clinical Trial?

When someone chooses to take part in a clinical trial, the care they receive is much like the care they would otherwise receive. However, there is often additional monitoring to learn about potential side effects and benefits of the clinical trial. Some trials study new drugs, devices, or combination therapy. Throughout the trial patients are monitored closely by their physician and research nurses who are specially trained in cancer research.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Participating in a Clinical Trial?

Potential benefits include:

• Health care provided by leading physicians in the field of cancer research
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  Access to new drugs and interventions before they are widely available.
• Close monitoring of your health care and any side effects.
• A more active role in your own health care.
• If the approach being studied is found to be helpful, you may be among the first to benefit.
• An opportunity to make a valuable contribution to cancer research.

Potential risks include:

• New drugs and procedures may have side effects or risks unknown to doctors.
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  New drugs and procedures may be ineffective, or less effective, than current approaches.
• Even if a new approach has benefits, it may not work for you.

Should I participate in a Clinical Trial?

The decision to take part in a clinical trial is a voluntary and personal one. We encourage you to talk with your family and loved ones, as well as members of your health care team, before deciding. Clinical trials may be found to be more or less effective than current standard treatments and may have side effects not yet known. You will be informed of these risks as much as possible. Your health care team will give you the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.