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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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