Find a clinical trial
Clinical trials are important for learning more about cancer. You might also hear a clinical trial called a research study or clinical research. They all mean the same thing.
Clinical trials look at different areas.
Trials look at how genetics, lifestyle and other factors can increase people's risk of cancer.
Researchers may look at whether a treatment or change in lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cancer.
This research looks at possible tests to screen people before they have any symptoms. The focus might be on a screening test for the general population or for people with higher than average risk of cancer.
Trials investigate new tests, scans or procedures to improve diagnosis and pick up cancer earlier.
A large area of cancer research aims to improve treatment. Trials look at new cancer drugs, or new ways to carry out radiotherapy or surgery. Some trials focus on different doses or combinations of treatment. Trials also create new treatments with fewer side effects and improve life for people with cancer.
Trials might look at whether new medicines or complementary therapies can help to reduce treatment side effects.
Some research wants to find out the best ways to support people with cancer and those close to them.
The 5 minute video below tells you more about clinical trials:
Trials are a part of routine cancer care. Taking part can involve different things. For example:
trying a new medicine or treatment
giving samples, such as blood or tissue
filling in a questionnaire
having a scan
You might have just one appointment, or you could be part of a trial for a few years.
Many trials involve a new treatment or explore using an existing cancer treatment in a new way. These trials aim to find out if a new treatment:
is safe
has side effects
works better than the current test or treatment
affects quality of life
Some trials tell us more about the side effects, or what happens to a drug in the body.
Not all trials will result in new and better treatment. Results sometimes show that:
the treatment being tested does not work or
that it has side effects that are worse than with existing treatments.
It all adds to our knowledge of cancer and how best to treat it.
Researchers also want to look at the impact a treatment has on you and your life. For example, how often you have to travel to the hospital. Studies that look at the effect a treatment or procedure has on your day to day life are sometimes called quality of life studies. Many trials include a quality of life study.
Your safety is a very important part of all clinical trials. You are closely monitored by a team of doctors and nurses who are experienced in research. They follow strict rules and guidelines to protect you. But there are some risks with any clinical trial. The possible risks and benefits will be clearly explained to you.
If you have any concerns or problems, always talk to your research team. We have more information about safety in clinical trials.
A research team includes many specialists who work together to make sure the trial is safe and runs smoothly. All team members are trained in clinical research.
The team might include:
research nurses – your main point of contact during the trial
the principal investigator (PI) – the doctor in charge of the trial
research doctors – these might be consultants, registrars, and fellows
research coordinators and officers – they help organise and run the trial
laboratory staff – they look at blood and other samples
data managers – who collect and record trial information and results
clinical trial administrators – they support the running of the trial
research pharmacists – they prepare and manage trial medicines
The team may vary depending on the hospital or research centre. Some team members do research alongside their regular jobs. You’re most likely to meet research nurses and doctors during the trial.
If you join an early phase trial, your treatments and tests might take place in a special trial unit where you see the team regularly.
For late phase trials, you may have your treatment on a ward, or a day unit. So you will probably talk to the research team less often.
Your research team will give you contact details so you can contact them with questions or concerns about the trial.
Consent to a trial is when you agree to take part in a trial. You and your doctor or research nurse usually sign a consent from together after discussing the trial. You may hear this called informed consent.
In a blind trial, the patient does not know whether they are having the treatment that is being tested, or a dummy treatment (placebo). The treatment and the dummy treatment look the same.
This is a trial where neither the doctor nor the patient know which treatment the patient is having. These trials are designed to try to prevent bias affecting the trial results.
You need to meet a list of conditions to check that you are suitable for a trial. For example, you might need to have a particular type or stage of cancer to take part. These are also called entry conditions.
Find out more about who can take part in a clinical trial
This is a trial that looks at a particular intervention or treatment.
In this type of research, the team observe the people taking part. They collect information over a period of time. Taking part doesn’t influence what treatments people have.
Read more about the different types of trials, including interventional and observational
Researchers must provide a patient information sheet or leaflet to everyone they invite to take part in a research study or trial. The leaflet explains what taking part will involve and should include details such as:
why the research is being done
how long it will last
what methods and treatment will be used
the possible benefits and risks
contact details for the research team
how the results will be shared with others
Clinical trials are divided into different stages, called phases. The earliest phase trials may look at whether a drug is safe or the side effects it causes. Later phase trials aim to test whether a new treatment is better than existing treatments.
Find out more about phases of trials
A placebo is a dummy treatment that has no active drug in it. They are used in some research trials. For example, one group of patients have the new treatment, and another group have the placebo. The placebo looks the same as the new treatment. The patient, and sometimes their doctor, don't know which they are getting. The results of both groups are then compared to find out how well the new treatment works.
A randomised clinical trial compares different treatments or interventions to find out which works best. The people taking part are usually put into the different trial groups by a computer. Randomisation helps to make sure that there is no that could distort the results.
Go to more information about randomised trials
A sub study is an extra study within the main clinical trial. Its purpose is to answer a research question that is separate from that of the main trial. But it still contributes to the main aims and overall results. An example is a quality of life sub study. This looks at how a particular treatment affects your daily life. You usually need to agree to join a sub study separately from agreeing to join the main trial. You can still take part in the main trial but choose not to join the sub study.
Last reviewed: 21 May 2025
Next review due: 21 May 2028
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
