What is a Clinical Trial?
A Clinical trial is a scientific research study that is intended to discover better ways to treat or prevent diseases. The studies are performed on humans and regulated by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
Physicians use clinical trials to understand the effectiveness and safety of new treatments in patients. Such studies are important in the development of new treatments for diseases.
All clinical trials are voluntary. Participants always have the choice whether or not to take part in a clinical trial. The patient has the right to leave a clinical trial at any time, for any reason. If the patient does decides to leave, the health care
team may ask that the participant to continue to be monitored for a period of time to look for any long-term effects of treatment.
More information about Clinical Trials can be found at Clinical Trials website.
What happens during a clinical trial?
The clinical trial process depends on the kind of trial being conducted. The clinical trial team includes doctors and nurses as well as social workers and other health care professionals. They check the health of the participant at the beginning of the
trial, give specific instructions for participating in the trial, monitor the participant carefully during the trial, and stay in touch after the trial is completed.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. The criteria are based on such factors as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. Please ask your physician to see if you may
qualify for a clinical trial.
How can I get involved in a clinical trial?
Consult with your treating physician regarding current clinical trials and the benefits for you.
Ongoing Clinical Trials