SHOULD I CONSIDER A CLINICAL TRIAL?
Taking it to the Next Level
When you need to decide on a treatment, your goal is to find the best one available. Doctors often offer you treatment called the “standard of care.” This is the treatment that experts agree works best for most people with your disease. Sometimes the standard of care isn’t as helpful as you and your doctor would like. It may work for a while but then stop. Or, there might not even be a standard treatment for your condition. In these situations, joining a clinical trial might be a good choice.
The best time to look into clinical trials is when you’re deciding on a treatment. Sadly, many people don’t know clinical trials are an option or don’t understand their value.
What are the Benefits and Risks?
People join clinical trials for many reasons. Some want access to new treatments that aren’t available to the public yet. Others want to help researchers learn more about diseases and improve health care for everyone.
While some trials may directly benefit participants, others might not. Even if you don’t benefit personally, your participation could help others in the future by advancing medical research.
You should consider the benefits and risks/harms.
Potential Risks/Harms: Before joining a clinical trial, talk with your doctor and the research team about the risks. Some things to consider are:
- The chance of any harm happening
- How serious the harm could be
- Possible time commitments or extra doctor visits
All treatments have side effects. Some side effects may require medical attention, and in rare cases, serious complications, including death, can occur.
Potential Benefits: Participating in a clinical trial can have many benefits, such as:
- Access to treatments not available elsewhere
- Care from doctors who specialize in advanced treatments
- More frequent monitoring of your health than usual care
- Learning more about your condition and how to manage it
- Taking an active role in your healthcare
- Helping others by contributing to medical research