What should I ask my doctor about clinical trials?

Questions about finding a trial

• Are there any trials I could enter that are for my type and stage of cancer?

• Do you know of any trials looking at new therapies or treatments?

• Is there anywhere else I can look for information about trials?

You can search for trials on our clinical trials database.

Questions to ask before joining a trial

• Why is this trial is being done?

• What are the possible benefits and risks of taking part?

• What are the different treatment groups in the trial?

• How are patients allocated to the different groups?

• How long will I have treatment for?

• How many people will take part in this trial?

• What will I have to do if I take part?

• Will I need extra tests, scans or hospital visits?

• Will I have to spend more time in hospital?

• How often will I have follow up appointments after I finish treatment?

• How will I find out about the results of the trial?

• What are my treatment options if I decide not to take part?

Go to information about what you should know about joining a trial.

Questions about how trials are run

• Can I take notes or record the meetings with my healthcare team?

• Who will be allowed to see my medical records and personal information?

• What information about me will be stored?

• Who will be told that I'm taking part in a trial?

• Can I claim expenses, such as travel costs?

• Who makes sure that the trial is safe and going as planned?

Questions about safety of trials

• What are the possible side effects?

• What happens if I get side effects?

• Who can I contact in an emergency?

• Can I leave the trial at any time?

• Am I covered by insurance if things go wrong?

• Is there anything I'm not allowed to do while I am in the trial?

• Are there any supplements or medicines I shouldn't take while I am in the trial?

• Am I covered by insurance if there is an unexpected problem?

Find out about safety in clinical trials.

The video below shows patients talking about their experiences of taking part in a clinical trial. It’s about 3 minutes long.