Questions About Clinical Trials

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1. How do I know if I am a possible candidate for a clinical trial?
2. Are clinical trials only for people who have failed all other options?
3. If I am a candidate to receive an approved standard therapy, why should I participate in a clinical trial?
4. Are clinical trials safe?
5. What are some of the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
6. What is the goal of this trial? Who is sponsoring it?
7. What is known about the investigational drug being studied? Has it worked in previous trials? Is it the same as chemotherapy?
8. How will I be given the drug? How often and for how long?
9. Are there tests to determine if I am eligible for this trial?
10. What types of tests, scans, or other procedures are required during the trial, and how frequently will they need to be performed?
11. What side effects might I experience if I’m given the investigational drug? Are the side effects reversible, and can they be managed?
12. Are the side effects from the investigational drug worse than those I might experience with standard treatment? How severe could these side effects be?
13. Will I lose my hair?
14. Will I be able to continue working or go about my daily routine?