Clinical trials are essential for the development of new, safer, and more effective treatments. Trials have not only advanced our knowledge, they offer hope for the future for all men. Without trials we could not evaluate whether a new treatment works, if it is just “snake oil,” or even if it is even safe.
Participating in a trial can benefit you now and it will benefit others as well as yourself in the future.
I don’t care about research…I am in this clinical trial to get the latest treatment and the best chance I have of living longer
Clinical trials offer great hope, but they also present some risk. When deciding if you are willing to participate in a trial you must learn about the possible benefits and the possible risks to which you might be subjected.
There has been significant prior study of the investigation product before any drug or treatment makes it to a clinical trial on humans. There have been pre‐clinical trials (bench science) and animal studies that lead up to the trial.
Before deciding to participate in a trial you should speak with your doctor as well as the clinical trial coordinator and ask;
- Is there strong evidence that this treatment could work for me?
- Is it a randomized trial?
- If it is randomized is there a chance I could get a placebo, or are all groups going to receive the investigation treatment?
- What are the risks and what are the benefits of my participating?
- If I do well on the investigation treatment will I be able to continue to receive it even after the trial has ended?
- If I receive the placebo will the trial protocol allow me to “crossover” and receive the investigational treatment if I so desire?
- What additional commitments will be required of me if I participate in the trial? Will there be additional tests or scans, doctor or hospital visits required? It’s important to make sure that you fully understand how much extra time and effort will be required from you.
- To what additional financial costs will I be obligated? Usually, the researchers will pay for the research costs, but you or your insurance company might remain responsible for your routine