How to Participate in a Clinical Trial
Requirements to participate in a clinical trial vary for each clinical trial, so it is important to review clinical trials near you to see if you qualify to participate. Not everyone who is interested in a trial will be accepted. In most cases, participants will need to be able to travel to a participating doctor on a regular basis for monitoring, although in some cases your regular doctor may be able to send in your regular results to the research team. Your doctor may be able to help you determine if there are clinical trials that may work for you. Always ask your doctor if they know about a clinical trial that may be right for you.
Remember, when you join a clinical trial, you will be working with the health care team that is associated with the trial – this might mean seeing a different doctor than you do now. Be sure to coordinate your care with your doctors.
Talking with Your Doctor About Clinical Trials
It is important to make an informed decision when considering a clinical trial, and talking to your doctor should be part of this process. Bring the information about any trials with you when you visit your doctor, so you can discuss the pros and cons of each. Your doctor should be able to help explain the process of joining a clinical trial, so you can make a shared decision about what is best for you.
Your Doctor's Role in Clinical Trials
Talk to your doctor about clinical trials that may benefit you. Ask your doctor to help you sort through the pros and cons of enrolling in a clinical trial and the different treatment options.
Note: Even if your doctor doesn’t know about any active clinical trials, you can still discuss any trials you find and ask for their advice or opinions. Don’t stop your clinical trial search if your doctor says, 'I don’t know'.
You are encouraged to see your health care provider regularly, even if you are in a clinical trial. Your doctor has been treating your condition and has expertise in what treatment plan is most appropriate for you.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Enrolling in a Clinical Trial
- Why should I participate in this study? How is this study going to help me?
- How will my participation help others?
- What are the potential risks of participating in clinical trials?
- How would changing my medication or treatment plan affect my health?
- If I am not scheduled to meet with the clinical trial team, can I come to you for help?
- After the trial is over, or if I drop out of the trial, how can I return to my regular care?
- Will you be receiving my test results during or after the trial?
You can learn more about helpful terms and definitions here.