FAQs
Clinical trials test potential new medical treatments to evaluate their benefits and safety. The results of clinical trials are evaluated by the FDA or other health authorities to determine whether the potential new treatment can be approved for use outside of clinical trials.
Clinical trials study potential new medical treatments such as new medicines, vaccines, medical devices, medical procedures, and therapies.
Volunteers who match study requirements—such as specifications for sex, age, condition, or treatment history—may be able to join a clinical trial.
You are encouraged to speak to your primary oncologist about your participation. You are always welcome to contact a study site near you directly for more information. See if one of our trials might be right for you.
If a participant is ineligible, they should check with their healthcare provider to discuss other options.
Your study doctor can explain the possible benefits of participating. Participants who enroll in a clinical trial may receive access to potential new treatments under study. You or others may benefit from the knowledge gained from the clinical trial.
Your study doctor can explain the possible risks of participating. Medical treatments may cause side effects, and there are some risks with participation. Since the potential new treatment is being tested, its potential risks are not yet known. The potential new treatment being tested may also cause side effects throughout the study. If you participate, you will be carefully monitored for side effects.
All clinical trials have different timelines depending on the trial phase, study design, treatment duration, or health condition being studied. During the consent process, before the patient is enrolled, the research team will explain the specifics of the trial.
Clinical trial sites include hospitals, medical centers, universities, and doctors’ offices. Some trial activities may be conducted at home. Some trials have more than one study location.
Each clinical trial has a specific protocol that describes how it will study the potential new treatment, including how participants will be divided into groups, when site visits are required, and the health outcomes being measured.
Not all trials pay participants, but some may pay for travel, time, and commitment. The amount will vary depending on the trial.
Usually, trial participants do not pay extra out-of-pocket costs for participating in treatment during the clinical trial. However, some participants may be responsible for copays and payments toward a deductible for a routine healthcare visit, depending on your health insurance and site policy. Trials do not always cover expenses such as travel, housing, transportation, parking, or meals. You will learn more about these potential expenses during the clinical trial pre-screening.
A clinical trial pre-trial screening is a first discussion between a study site and potential participant to determine if the patient may be able to participate in the trial. It helps determine whether a potential participant meets the inclusion criteria for the trial by verifying information such as age, diagnosis, and other factors. After the pre-trial screening, if the patient is cleared to continue and is still interested in participating, some additional evaluations or procedures may take place in order for a doctor at the trial site to make the final decision about eligibility to participate in the trial.