Clinical trials

Your doctor may ask whether you would like to take part in a clinical trial. This is a research study conducted with patients in order to (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2019):

Test new treatments. Look at new combinations of existing treatments or change the way they are given to make them more effective or reduce side effects. Compare the effectiveness of drugs used to control symptoms.

Clinical trials help to improve knowledge about cancer and develop new treatments, and there can be many benefits to taking part. You will have to undergo various tests before entering a trial, and be carefully monitored during and after the study. Although the new treatment may offer benefits over existing therapies, it’s important to bear in mind that some new treatments are found not to be as good as existing treatments or to have side effects that outweigh the benefits (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2019).

Clinical trials help to improve knowledge about diseases and develop new treatments – there can be many benefits to taking part

You have the right to accept or refuse participation in a clinical trial without any consequences for the quality of your treatment. If your doctor does not ask you about taking part in a clinical trial and you want to find out more about this option, you can ask your doctor if there is a trial for your type of cancer taking place nearby (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2019).