Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are scientific studies that involve people in research and are the only way to advance cancer treatment. Before people are given a new intervention, it is carefully studied in the laboratory. Studies with the most promising results are then moved into clinical trials with people. Clinical trials are used to evaluate new and better ways to treat, prevent, detect, diagnose, and manage symptoms of cancer.

All clinical trials have guidelines about who can take part. Anyone who wants to take part must fit the guidelines to be in the study (called the inclusion and exclusion criteria). These usually relate to age and gender, cancer type and stage, other medical conditions you may have and the types of treatments already undergone.

You should ask many questions so you can best decide if joining a trial is right for you. Here are some questions you may want to consider…More

There are two types of costs:

1) Routine care costs 

2) Research costs. Health insurance typically covers the cost of the routine care. 

These are costs that would incur whether or not you were in a clinical trial. However, you will still be responsible for any co-payments and/or deductibles. Research costs for the research portion of a trial are paid for by the trial itself at no cost to you. However, there may be additional costs, such as personal time and travel expenses, which may or may not be covered by a clinical trial. Please be aware that each trial is unique. The study team will go over the costs of participation with you before you agree to participate.