Participating in a Clinical Trial
If you're interested in enrolling in a clinical trial, please consult with your doctor or speak to one of our research/medical professionals.
Should you participate in a clinical trial?
Joining a clinical trial is a voluntary option and an important decision in your treatment process that deserves a great deal of consideration. It is a decision that you should discuss with your physician, caretaker and loved ones. Ask questions. Be informed.
It is helpful to know:
- For many patients, clinical trials lead to savings on treatment costs, access to promising therapies not yet generally available, and improved quality of life. But remember, the treatments are under investigation and like other approved drugs, may have potential side effects.
- New treatments may have unknown side effects. But if the new treatment proves effective or more effective than a standard treatment, the clinical trial participants who receive the new treatment may be among the first to benefit.
- Progress made through clinical trials now allows people to live longer lives and, in some cases, beat diseases once untreatable. If a new treatment proves effective in a clinical study, it may become a new standard treatment.
- You, the participant, have the right to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time.
What is the cost? And will my insurance company cover the cost?
- Although most clinical trials result in savings on treatment costs for the patient, the patient might be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs, based on his/her insurance coverage.
- A growing number of states now require health plans to pay the cost (co-pays not included) of “routine patient care costs“ (such as doctor visits, hospital stays, clinical laboratory tests, x-rays, etc.) for clinical trial participants.
- If you're considering enrollment, contact us to find out what the costs for participation are and how they will be covered. You can also ask your insurance company what your plan covers.
- Insurance coverage is not always a requirement. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may be able to participate (assistance may be provided, depending on the trial). We can also help you work with your insurance company to review your case and to consider coverage of your treatment.
Before making your decision, it is important to:
- Do the research
Learn important information about available, state-of-the-art clinical trials. Ask your doctor, search the Internet, go to the library, and become informed. Our medical staff can also help answer your questions.
A few trusted online sources:
American Cancer Society – Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know
National Cancer Institute – Factsheet on Clinical Trials
More resources and links - Ask the right questions
Here are some questions to ask your doctor and the clinical team:- About the study
- What's the purpose of the clinical trial?
- Am I eligible to participate?
- How long will I be in the trial?
- Who is conducting the trial?
- Can my doctor stay involved?
- What kind of tests and treatments are involved?
- What are the benefits and side effects/risks of participation?
- Why do the researchers think the treatment being tested may be effective?
- Has the treatment been tested before?
- Costs
- Will I have to pay for any of the treatments of tests?
- What costs will my health insurance cover?
- Impact on your daily life
- How could the trial affect my daily life?
- How often will I have to visit the clinic?
- Will I have to travel long distances?
- Comparing your choices
- What are my other treatment choices including standard treatment?
- How does the treatment in this trial compare with other treatment choices?
- About the study
- Talk to other clinical trial participants
"Cancer patients and survivors should never stop seeking information and continuing their search for knowledge about cancer."Hear more from clinical trial participants
-- Lance Armstrong, survivor, clinical trial participant
What to expect during and after treatment
If you are accepted into the clinical trial, you will be asked to give your consent to participate. Your program will include a structured schedule of tests, appointments with a team of doctors, nurses, clinical coordinators, and treatments. Your treatment team may continue to check on you after your trial is over.
