In English | En español
Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

How to Find a Cancer Treatment Trial: A 10-Step Guide

  • Posted: 03/21/2005
  • Updated: 06/08/2010

Page Options

  • Print This Page
  • Print This Document
  • View Entire Document
  • Email This Document
  • View/Print PDF

Popular Resources

NCI Highlights

Cancer Details Checklist

Fill out this Cancer Details Checklist as completely as possible before you start looking for a clinical trial. It will help you know which clinical trials you may be eligible to join.

See Step 3 for information about how to obtain the details you need for the checklist.



Cancer Details ChecklistView/Print PDF
  1. What kind of cancer do you have?
    Write down the full medical name.
    Answer:  
      

  2. Where did the cancer first start?
    Many cancers spread to the bones, liver, or elsewhere. However, the type of cancer you have is determined by where it started. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the bone is still breast cancer.
    Answer:  
      

  3. What is the cancer's cell type?
    This information will be in your pathology report.
    Answer:  
      

  4. If you have a solid tumor , what size is it?
    Answer:  
      

  5. If you have a solid tumor, where is it located?
    If the tumor has spread, list all locations.
    Answer:  
      

  6. What is the stage of your cancer?
    The stage describes the extent of cancer in the body and whether it has spread from the site where it started. There are different staging systems for different cancers.
    Answer:  
      

  7. Have you had cancer before that is different from the one you have now?
    If so, answer questions 1-6 for the other cancer, as well.
    Answer:  
      

  8. What is your current performance status score?
    This is an assessment by your doctor of how well you are able to perform ordinary tasks and carry out daily activities. Several different scoring methods can be used to describe performance status.
    Answer:  
      

  9. Have you been treated for your current cancer? If not, what treatment(s) have been recommended to you?
    Answer:  
      

  10. If you have been treated for your current cancer, please list the treatments you have received (for example: type of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy ).
    Answer:  
      

  11. What are your bone marrow function test results?
    These blood tests show whether your blood cell count is normal.

    1. White blood cell count
      Answer:  
        

    2. Platelet count
      Answer:  
        

    3. Hemoglobin/hematocrit
      Answer:  
        

  12. What are your liver function test results?
    These blood tests show whether your liver is functioning normally.

    1. Bilirubin

      Answer:  
        

    2. Transaminases
      Answer:  
        

  13. What are your renal function test results?
    This blood test checks whether your kidneys are functioning normally.

    1. Serum creatinine
      Answer: