Clinical Trials: Questions and Answers

Clinical Trials: Questions and Answers

Key Points Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people (see Question 1). Every clinical trial has a protocol, which describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary (see Question 4). Informed consent is a process by which people learn the important facts about a clinical trial to help them decide whether to participate (see Question 6). Payment of patient care costs in clinical trials varies by health insurance plan and by study (seeQuestion 11).

1. What are clinical trials, and why are they important?

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat a disease. People who take part in cancer clinical trials have an opportunity to contribute to knowledge of, and progress against, cancer. They also receive up-to-date care from experts.

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