Patients

Information about Clinical Trials

Which is the right clinical trial for me?

Learn everything you can about your own health.
Consult your own physician for advice and support.
We will inform you of clinical trials within your region.

Reasons to join a clinical trial:

• Play an active role in your own health care.
• Gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available.
• Obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial.
• Help others by contributing to medical research.

What should I expect as a participant?

• to be told all the important details about your care
• ask questions and have them answered
• learn the names of anyone you talk with
• read your medical records with your health care provider
• know that your medical records will be kept confidential

Learn everything you can about your medical condition, alternatives, and the credentials of your clinical physician. Other questions could include:

• Where is the trial being conducted?
• What therapy will be used and how?
• What drugs will I have to take?
• What is the main purpose of the trial?
• How will patient safety be monitored?
• What are the possible risks?
• What are the possible benefits?
• What are the alternative therapy available?
• Who is sponsoring the trial?
• Do I have to pay for any part of the trial?
• What happens if I am harmed by the trial?
• May I continue the therapy after the study?
• Will I be dropped if I develop health problems?
• How do I learn the results?
• Have there been other studies of this therapy?
• Do I have to use birth control? If so, what kind?
• If I become pregnant will I have to leave the study?
• How long will the clinical trial last?
• What should I know beforehand?

Before you sign the Informed Consent, you should know:

• the reasons for using the new treatment
• the risks and benefits of taking part in the study
• if there are any extra costs, doctor visits, lab tests, etc.
• what drugs you will be asked to take

You may also want to know:

• May I continue the treatment after the trial is over?
• If I develop health problems, will I be taken off the trial?
• How do I learn the results of the trial?
• Are there other studies of this drug I should know about?
• (For women) Do I have to use birth control? If so, what kind?
• If I become pregnant will I have to leave the study?

Do some studies pay to cover my expenses?

Sometimes studies pay for expenses such as overnight stays in the hospital, or travel, or compensation for completing a survey. Usually studies give you free medication, checkups, lab tests, and help you by curing or preventing a disease. Some researchers prefer volunteers. Some clinical trials do offer compensation.

There is no obligation. It is that simple.