The National Cancer Institute says the answers to these questions can help you decide whether to participate in a clinical trial. Ask your health care provider:

• Why is this trial being done?


• Why do the doctors who designed the trial believe that the treatments being studied may be better than the standard treatment? Why may it not be better?


• How long will I be in the trial?


• What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?


• What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?


• What are the possible benefits?


• How will we know if the treatment is working?


• Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?


• What costs will my health insurance cover?


• How could the trial affect my daily life?


• How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?


• Will I have to travel long distances to take part?


• What are my other treatment choices?


• How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?