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What are cancer clinical trials?
What kind of information will I get if I want to take part in a clinical trial?
Cancer treatment clinical trials are research studies to find better ways to
treat cancer. Clinical trials often compare the most accepted cancer treatment
(standard treatment) with a new treatment that doctors hope will be better.
What doctors learn in these trials will help people with cancer-now and in the
future.
It is important that men and women of all ages and backgrounds take part in
clinical trials. Each trial has rules about who can and cannot participate; for
example, people who have the same type of cancer. Think about asking your
doctor if you can take part in a clinical trial.
Before you join a clinical trial, a doctor, nurse, or another person on
the research team will explain why the trial is being done and what will happen
during the clinical trial. You will be given a consent form to read
The consent form will explain:
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The exact plan for each step in the clinical trial
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What side effects you may have
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How the trial may affect your daily life
You should ask questions about any part of the clinical trial or consent form
you do not understand. If you decide to take part in the trial, you will be
asked to sign the consent form. Even if you sign the consent form, you can
still change your mind and stop participating at any time.
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