Use these questions as a starting point when talking to your doctor about participating in a clinical trial.

Design of the Clinical Trial

• What is the purpose of this clinical trial?
• What phase is this clinical trial and what does that mean?
• Why do researchers believe this new treatment might be effective?
• Has this treatment been tested before?
• Have there been other trials similar to this one? If yes, what were the results?
• What kinds of patients will be in the clinical trial?
• How many patients are needed for the clinical trial?
• How long will the trial take?  
• Will I find out about the results of the clinical trial?

Eligibility Requirements

• Why is this clinical trial a good fit for me?
• What are my treatment options if I don’t join this trial?
• Are there other clinical trials that might help me?

Potential Benefits and Risks

• How could this clinical trial help me if I join?
• What are the possible risks?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?

Practical Concerns

• What will I have to do if I join?
• Will I have to stay in the hospital?
• Will I have to come to the hospital for treatments and tests? How often?
• Will I have to change my daily activities or my diet?
• Who will be in charge of my care?
• What type of long-term follow-up care is part of this study?
• Who will pay for treatment?
• If I have questions about the trial, whom can I contact?