The National Cancer Institute says the answers to these questions can help you decide whether to participate in a clinical trial. Ask your health care provider:
- Why is this trial being done?
- Why do the doctors who designed the trial believe that the treatments being studied may be better than the standard treatment? Why may it not be better?
- How long will I be in the trial?
- What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
- What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
- What are the possible benefits?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
- What costs will my health insurance cover?
- How could the trial affect my daily life?
- How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
- Will I have to travel long distances to take part?
- What are my other treatment choices?
- How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?
