Questions to Ask

If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, here are some questions that can help you decide.

About the trial

• Why is this trial being done?
• Why do the doctors who designed the trial believe that the treatment being studied may be better than the standard treatment? Why may it not be better?
• How long will I be in the trial?
• What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
• What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
• What are the possible benefits?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?

Costs

• Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
• What costs will my health insurance cover?

Daily life

• How could the trial affect my daily life?
• How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
• Will I have to travel long distances to take part?

Comparing choices

• What are my other treatment choices, including standard treatments?
• How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?