What questions should I ask about clinical trials for cancer
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For informational purposes only
This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.
Sources & medical oversight
- Built by OpenCancer’s team of physician-scientists and cancer survivors.
- Last updated May 19, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.
Questions to Ask About Clinical Trials for Cancer
Clinical trials can be an important option in your cancer care. Here are key questions to help you understand whether a trial might be right for you:
ABOUT THE TRIAL ITSELF
- What is this trial testing? (What drug, combination, or approach is being studied?)
- What phase is this trial? (Phase 1, 2, or 3? This affects how much is known about safety and effectiveness)
- Why do researchers think this might work for my type of cancer?
- How many patients are in this trial, and what have results shown so far?
- What are the inclusion/exclusion criteria? (Do I actually qualify based on my specific diagnosis, stage, and prior treatments?)
ABOUT WHAT'S INVOLVED
- What will the treatment schedule look like? (How often? For how long? Where?)
- What tests and appointments will I need? (Blood work, scans, etc.?)
- Can I continue my current medications or treatments?
- What happens if I need to stop the trial?
- Will there be a placebo (inactive treatment) involved, or will everyone get the experimental treatment?
ABOUT RISKS AND BENEFITS
- What are the known side effects from early data? (How common? How severe?)
- Are there any serious risks I should know about?
- What happens if I experience a serious side effect?
- What are the potential benefits if the treatment works?
- How will my response to treatment be monitored?
ABOUT LOGISTICS AND SUPPORT
- Will the trial cover treatment costs, or will my insurance be billed?
- Are there travel or accommodation costs I need to cover?
- Will there be support services? (Nutritionists, social workers, etc.?)
- How often can I contact the research team with questions?
- Who is the principal investigator, and what's their experience with this type of cancer?
ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS
- Can I withdraw from the trial at any time without affecting my regular care?
- How will my privacy and data be protected?
- Will I be informed of new safety information that might affect my participation?
- What happens to my data after the trial ends?
FINDING TRIALS
Where to search:
- ClinicalTrials.gov - The official U.S. registry (searchable by cancer type, location, and status)
- NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) - Provides trial information through their guidelines
- American Cancer Society - Offers trial-finding resources and educational materials
- Your oncology team - They often know about trials relevant to your specific situation
IMPORTANT CONTEXT
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), clinical trials are how new cancer treatments are tested and proven safe and effective. They're an option worth discussing with your oncology team, especially if:
- Standard treatments haven't worked
- You have a rare cancer type
- New approaches are being tested for your specific diagnosis
Your doctor can help you understand whether a particular trial aligns with your medical situation and goals of care.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.
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