Participating in Clinical Trials

If you're thinking about taking part in a clinical trial for cancer, you’ll need to know exactly what to expect during the study, as well as the pros and cons of participating, so you and your physician can decide if it is the right choice for you.

What Happens During a Clinical Trial?

Your clinical team consists of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This team assesses your health before the start of the trial, gives specific instructions, and monitors your progress during the trial and keeps in close contact even after treatment is completed. It's the role of these professionals, as well as other members of the research group, to ensure your safety during the course of the trial.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Potential Benefits

• Access to new research treatments before they are widely available
• Expert medical care at leading healthcare facilities during the trial
• The opportunity to help others and improve cancer treatment

Potential Drawbacks

• Unpleasant, unexpected, serious or even life-threatening side effects may occur during treatment
• Treatment may not be effective
• Treatment may require more time and energy than would a non-investigational plan of care, including trips to the study site, hospital stays or complex dosage requirements
• Not all clinical trial procedures are covered by insurance

For more information about cancer clinical trials, call a member of Levine Cancer Institute Oncology Research Management Team at 980-442-2000.