Do You Want to Participate in a Clinical Trial? Here's What You Need to Know
When your doctor mentions a cancer clinical trial, it’s normal to have questions or concerns. You might worry about being treated like a “test subject,” receiving a placebo instead of real care, or not fully understanding what participation means.
For some patients, clinical trials may open the door to promising new treatment options, new combinations of care, or approaches that are not yet widely available. And all trial participants receive the standard of care.
PRE-ACT (Preparatory Education About Clinical Trials) is a free video series created by Case CCC to help patients and caregivers better understand how cancer clinical trials work, what to expect during the process, and how to make informed decisions with confidence. The videos address common concerns, explain important terms in plain language, and help you prepare for conversations with your healthcare team.
PRE-ACT Videos
- Welcome to PRE-ACT
- What are clinical trials?
- Will I have side effects on a clinical trial?
- What is a placebo?
- Who pays for the cost of a clinical trial?
- What is standard treatment?
- What is informed consent?
- Will I have to receive my care at a different clinic if I am on a clinical trial?
- Are clinical trials only used as a last resort?
- Will taking part in a clinical trial help me?
- Is there a clinical trial for everyone?
- Will my own doctor know what happens to me when I am on a clinical trial?
- Are clinical trials appropriate for cancer patients?
- Where can I find information about clinical trials?
- Are there ways to deal with transportation and financial issues?
- What is randomization?
- What is an IRB?
- What will my doctor gain from this clinical trial research?
- Will I get good care if I take part in a clinical trial?
- Will a clinical trial take up a lot of my time?
- Will I be able to handle being in a clinical trial?
- Can I trust the medical establishment?
- Is it safe to try new treatments that haven't been around for long?
- How would clinical trials affect my family?
- Should I ask my doctor about clinical trials?
- What will pharmaceutical or drug companies gain from a clinical trial?
- How long do I need to stay in a clinical trial?
- Is taking part in a clinical trial voluntary?
- How is my privacy protected on a clinical trial?
The content provided herein is for educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice. It is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general health care in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any content obtained herein and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Content obtained herein is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their treatment.