How To Decide Which Clinical Trial Is Right For Your Cancer

For a person fighting cancer, a clinical trial represents a powerful and tangible source of hope. It is a chance to access the absolute cutting edge of medicine, to be among the first to receive a groundbreaking new therapy, and to play a direct role in the scientific progress that will help the patients of the future.

But the world of clinical trials can also be a confusing and intimidating place to navigate, filled with complex medical terminology and a dizzying number of options. How do you find the right one for you? For a patient exploring clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer, for example, understanding the specifics of a trial is a critical first step. The key is to arm yourself with the right questions and a clear framework for making an informed decision in partnership with your oncology team.

If you are considering a clinical trial, here is a simple guide to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Where to Start Your Search

Your oncologist is always your best and most important resource, but you can also do your own research to become a more informed partner in your care. The single most comprehensive and authoritative database of clinical trials is ClinicalTrials.gov. This is a free, searchable database run by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. You can search for trials based on your specific cancer type, your location, and other criteria. Major cancer organizations also provide their own curated, patient-friendly search tools.

Understand the Different “Phases” of a Trial

Not all clinical trials are the same. They are conducted in a series of steps called “phases.” Understanding the phase of a trial you are considering is crucial for understanding its purpose and its potential risks and benefits.

• Phase I Trials: This is the first time a new drug or treatment is being tested in a small group of people. The primary goal of a Phase I trial is to determine the safety of the new treatment and to find the safest, most effective dose.
• Phase II Trials: Once a treatment has been shown to be safe, it moves to a Phase II trial with a larger group of patients. The primary goal here is to see if the treatment is effective against a specific type of cancer and to continue to monitor its safety.
• Phase III Trials: This is the largest phase. In a Phase III trial, the new treatment is compared head-to-head against the current, standard-of-care treatment for that cancer. The goal is to determine if the new treatment is better than, or as good as, the current standard.
• Phase IV Trials: This is after the initial country has approval, and the trial extends to the worldwide population for a larger test group.

The Key Questions to Ask Your Research Team

If you find a trial that you are interested in, you will have a detailed consultation with the doctor and the research nurse who are running the study. This is your opportunity to be an investigator. Come prepared with a list of questions.

Essential questions to ask include the following:

• What is the main purpose of this study?
• What are the potential benefits, and what are the known risks and side effects of this treatment?
• What are my other treatment options, including the standard-of-care?
• How will this trial affect my daily life? How many visits to the clinic will be required?
• Will I have to pay for any part of the treatment?

Know Your Rights as a Patient

Participating in a clinical trial is a completely voluntary and courageous act. You have a set of rights that are designed to protect you throughout the entire process.

Before you agree to anything, you will be given a detailed document called an “Informed Consent” form. This document explains the entire trial—its purpose, its procedures, its risks, and its benefits—in plain language. Read it carefully, and do not sign it until all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

The right to leave is your most important right. You can choose to leave a clinical trial at any time, for any reason. Your decision will not affect your relationship with your doctor or your access to other medical care.

Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is a deeply personal decision. It’s an opportunity to access the future of medicine today and to be a hero for the generations of patients who will come after you. By being an informed, empowered, and proactive partner in your own care, you can make the best possible decision for your health journey.