Questions to Ask
If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, here are some questions that can help you decide.
About this trial
- Why is this trial being done?
- Why do the doctors who designed the trial believe that the treatment being studied may be better than the one being used now? Why may it not be better?
- How long will I be in the trial?
- What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
- What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
- What are the possible benefits?
- How will the doctor know if the treatment is working?
Costs
- Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
- What costs will my health insurance cover?
Daily life
- How could the trial affect my daily life?
- How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
- Will I have to travel long distances?
Comparing choices
- What are my other treatment choices, including standard treatments?
- How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?
Source: The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov)
Posted 7/17/2007
