Questions to Ask about Clinical Trials
(National Cancer Institute
photo by Bill Branson)
Below are questions you may wish to ask your physician or nurse before
taking part in a clinical trial. Not all questions relate to every concern
or type of treatment. These questions should be the beginning of your own
list of questions or concerns. (Source: Taking Part in Clinical Trials:
What Patients Need to Know. NCI. 1998)
About Clinical Trials in General
- What is the purpose of the clinical trial? Why is it important to me?
- Why do researchers believe the new treatment being tested may be effective?
- Has the trial been tested before? Has it been reviewed and approved?
- Who is sponsoring the clinical trial?
- What will happen to the information received from my participation?
About Your Treatment Therapy
- Are there standard treatments for my type of cancer?
- What drugs will I be taking? Why have you chosen these particular drugs for me?
What are the drugs suppose to do?
- How do the possible risks, side effects, and benefits (both long-term
and short-term) in the clinical trial compare with standard treatment?
- What kinds of treatments, medical tests, or procedures will I have during the
clinical trial? Will they be painful? How do they compare with what I would
receive outside the clinical trial?
- Where will my treatment take place? Will I have to be in the hospital?
If so, how often and for how long?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- Will I be able to see my own doctor? Who will monitor my care?
^Top of Page
Decision Making
- What are the possible short- and long-term risks, side effects, and benefits for me?
- How could the clinical trial affect my daily life?
- Can I be put in touch with other people in this clinical trial?
- Will I have any problems (physical, financial and/or emotional) if I withdraw from the trial?
^Top of Page
During Therapy
- What kind of support in the community is there for me and my family?
- What are the precautions or restrictions during treatment? After treatment?
- What side effects should I report to the doctor or the nurse immediately?
- Can I continue normal activities (work, sex, sports, etc.) during treatment? After treatment?
^Top of Page
Financial Concerns
- Will I have to pay for any treatment, tests, or other charges?
- What is my health insurance likely to cover?
- Who can help answer any questions from my insurance company
or managed care plan?
^Top of Page
