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Randomization
Randomization is a process used in some clinical trials to
prevent bias. Bias occurs when a trial's results are affected by
human choices or other factors not related to the treatments
being tested. Randomization helps ensure that unknown
factors do not affect trial results.
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| In a randomized clinical trial, you will be assigned by chance
to either a control group or an investigational group. |
Randomization is used in all phase III and some phase II
trials. These trials are called randomized clinical trials.
If you participate in such a trial, you will be assigned by
chance to either an investigational group or a control group.
Your assignment will be determined with a computer
program or table of random numbers.
- If you are assigned to the control group, you will get the
most widely accepted treatment (standard treatment) for
your cancer.
- If you are assigned to the investigational group, you will
get the new treatment being tested.
Comparing these groups to each other often clearly shows
which treatment is more effective or has fewer side effects. If
you are thinking about joining a randomized clinical trial,
you need to understand that you have an equal chance to be
assigned to either one of the groups. The doctor does not
choose the group for you.
Will I get a placebo?
A placebo is designed to look like the medicine
being tested, but it is not active. Placebos are
almost never used in cancer treatment trials.
In some cases, a study may compare standard
treatment plus a new treatment, to standard
treatment plus a placebo. You will be told if
the study uses a placebo.
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