Questions you should ask before
participating a clinical trial.
Anyone considering a clinical trial should feel free to ask any
questions or bring up any issues concerning the trial at any time. The following
suggestions may give you some ideas as you think about your own questions.
Questions about the Study:
1. What is the purpose of the study?
2. Why do researchers think the approach may be effective?
3. Who will sponsor the study?
4. Who has reviewed and approved the study?
5. How are study results and safety of participants being checked?
6. How long will the study last?
7. What will my responsibilities be if I participate?
Questions about the risks and benefits:
1. What are my possible short-term and long-term benefits?
2. What are my short-term risks, such as side effects?
3. What are my possible long-term risks?
4. What other options do people with my risk of cancer or type of cancer have?
5. How do the possible risks and benefits of this trial compare with those
options?
Participation and Care
1. What kinds of therapies, procedures and /or tests will I have during the
trial?
2. Will they hurt, and if so, for how long?
3. How do the tests in the study compare with those I would have outside of the
trial?
4. Will I be able to take my regular medications while in the clinical trial?
5. Where will I have my medical care?
6. Who will be in charge of my care?
Questions about personal issues:
1. How could being in this study affect my daily life?
2. Can I talk to other people in the study?
Questions about the cost:
1. Will I have to pay for any part of the trial such as tests or the study drug?
2. If so, what will the charges likely be?
3. What is my health insurance likely to cover?
4. Who can help answer any questions from my insurance company or health plan?
5. Will there be any travel or child care costs that I need to consider while I
am in the trial?
Tips for Asking your Doctor about Trials
1. Consider taking a family member or friend along, for support and for help in
asking questions or recording answers.
2. Plan ahead what to ask--but don't hesitate to ask any new questions you think
of while you're there.
3. Write down your questions in advance, to make sure you remember to ask them
all.
4. Write down the answers, so that you can review them whenever you want.
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