Being part of a clinical trial

What you need to do when you agree to join a clinical trial depends on what kind of research it is. Generally, only treatment trials require preparation or ongoing follow-up, but it depends on what the study is testing and what phase it is in.

Your participation is usually organised by one person (often a clinical trials or research nurse), but you may come into contact with different members of the research team. Your overall care will probably continue to be coordinated by your cancer specialist.

Learn more about:

• Before the trial starts
• During the trial
• After the trial is over
• Continuing access to medications

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Before the trial starts

• Discuss the trial with a member of the clinical trials team, your oncologist or other cancer specialists.
• Read the participant information. You may want to discuss the information with family, friends or your GP.
• Ask your doctors or the clinical trials or research nurse any questions you have about the study. For some suggested questions see the question checklist.
• Have any medical tests, such as a CT scan and blood test, to check that the trial is suitable for you.

During the trial

• Follow the instructions you are given about the trial to help ensure that the trial results are as reliable as possible. That means going to all appointments, having the required tests, taking medicines at the specified time, and completing logs or questionnaires.
• Be prepared for more tests and visits to your doctor than you would normally have. This is to monitor your health and to see if and how the treatment is working. The research team will also ask about how you are feeling emotionally and physically.

After the trial is over

• Researchers may stay in contact with you and collect follow up information for some time after the trial so they can gather long-term information on how you are doing.
• You will return to having the standard care and/or check-ups that are appropriate for you, depending on the stage of the cancer and what your cancer specialist recommends.