Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Trials
People with cancer and their families have many questions about clinical trials. This section will provide some answers to frequently asked questions, as well as links to more detailed information within the New Jersey Cancer Trial Connect (NJCTC) Web site. The information provided is from a patient education program of the National Cancer Institute.
What Are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are studies that test the effectiveness and safety of cancer treatments, such as drugs, surgery, and radiation therapy. For more information, go to What Is a Clinical Trial?
Why Are Clinical Trials Important?
Clinical trials help us discover effective treatments that can improve the lives of patients with different types of cancer. Study results also help shape future cancer research. For more information, go to Why Join a Clinical Trial?
What Happens in a Clinical Trial?
In a clinical trial, patients receive a treatment, and doctors study how the treatment affects the patients. Although these trials have risks for patients, each study takes steps to protect patients. For more information, go to What Happens in a Trial?
What Is It Like to Receive Treatment in a Study?
Patients in a study receive their treatments in a cancer center, hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. Patients follow a treatment plan, and their progress is closely monitored by their physician and other healthcare professionals. For more information, go to Can Patients Work With Their Doctors?
How Is the Research Carried Out? How Are Patients Protected?
Clinical trials are designed to produce sound research and results and to protect patients. These studies are based on strict scientific and ethical principles, including:
- Each clinical trial has a protocol, or action plan, that explains how it will work
- Each study enrolls patients who are alike in key ways, such as age or type of cancer
- Cancer clinical trials include research at 3 different phases with small groups of patients to determine the benefits and risks of a treatment
For more information, go to What Happens in a Trial?
Why Do Phase 3 Clinical Trials Compare Treatment Groups?
In phase 3 clinical trials, patients are assigned by chance either to a group taking the new treatment (called the treatment group) or to a group taking standard treatment (called the control group). Comparing the treatment groups helps make sure the study results are valid and caused by the treatment rather than by chance or other factors. For more information, go to What Are Placebos & Control Groups?
Should You Take Part in a Clinical Trial?
While clinical trials are a good choice for some people, this treatment option has possible benefits and drawbacks. For this reason, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and those close to you. To learn more about deciding to take part in clinical trials, go to Participation Pros & Cons
What Rights Do You Have in a Cancer Treatment Trial?
You have the right to informed consent, which means that you must be given all of the facts about the trial before deciding to participate in it. This includes details about the treatments and tests and the possible risks and benefits. You can also leave the study at any time. For more information about patients' rights, go to Rights & Protections
What Questions Should You Ask?
What is the purpose of the study? What are the possible risks and benefits to you?
What treatments, tests, and procedures will you receive? There are many questions you need to ask your doctor before taking part in a study. For a list of important questions to ask, go to Questions to Ask