Clinical Trials from A to Z - Key Questions

• You will be seen by the researchers before the trial to get your health history and assess your overall health.

• You will be given specific instructions about how to participate (this is called the study protocol).

• During the length of the trial you will be monitored. This may involve numerous doctor visits, tests, or other procedures.

• Once the trial is completed, you will be able to stay in touch with the team for follow-up treatment information.

Important Questions To Ask About A Clinical Trial
If you are considering participating in a clinical trial, it's best to find out as much as you can about the study. To help you, here is a list of questions that you should consider:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who will be in the study?
• Who is conducting the study?
• Has the drug or treatment ever been tested before?
• What does the protocol involve?
• Will any part of my participation be painful? Require hospitalization? Affect my daily life?
• Can I still participate if I'm on other medications?
• What are the risks?
• What if I need or want to drop out of the study?
• How long with the trial last?
• Do I have to pay for this treatment?
• Do I get paid to participate in this study?
• Do I need to talk to my insurance company before participating in this study?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• Can a friend or family member join with me?
• What happens after the trial is over? Can I still get the treatment?
• How do I find out about the results?

If you decide to participate in a clinical trial, be sure you are given a consent form. This is a document that clearly describes the nature of the study and outlines the requirements, risks, and benefits of participation. Read this document carefully before you sign it so you have all the information you need about your participation. Keep in mind that a consent form is not a contract and you can leave the study at any time.

For More Information
To find out about clinical trials, talk to your doctor to see if he or she is currently participating in any studies or knows of any that you would qualify for. Also, look at the links below this article for additional information about clinical trial opportunities. Finally, the National Institutes of Health has a website (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct) dedicated to clinical trials and gives details about how to find out about the various trials currently being conducted.

It's your personal choice if you want to participate in a clinical trial. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor, family, and friends. If you find a trial that you might qualify for, contact the research staff to get more information. Knowing as much as you can about the trial will make your decision a bit easier.