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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Clinical Trials

If you are considering a clinical trial, your doctor is an important resource. They know your medical history, current treatment plan, and overall health, which makes them well-positioned to help you evaluate whether a specific trial is appropriate. Here are questions that can help guide that conversation.

Questions About the Trial Itself

What is the purpose of this study and what is being tested? What phase is this trial in, and what does that mean for me? How does the study treatment compare to the standard treatment I would otherwise receive? Is there a chance I will receive a placebo? If so, will I still receive standard care alongside it? What are the known risks and potential side effects of the study treatment? How long will the trial last, and how often will I need to visit the study site? Who is sponsoring the trial, and who is conducting it at this site?

Questions About Your Eligibility and Health

Based on my medical history, do you think I would be eligible for this trial? Are there any aspects of my health that might make this trial risky for me specifically? Would participating in this trial prevent me from receiving other treatments now or in the future? If the study treatment does not work for me, what are my options afterward? Are there other trials you would recommend I consider instead of or in addition to this one?

Questions About Logistics and Support

Where is the study site, and how often would I need to travel there? Are there costs associated with the trial that would not be covered? Will the trial interfere with my current medications or treatments? What happens if I experience side effects — who do I contact, and how quickly? Can I leave the trial if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care? Will the study results be shared with me when the trial is complete?

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tell my doctor I am considering a clinical trial?

Yes. Your doctor can help evaluate whether a trial is appropriate given your medical history, current treatments, and overall health. They may also be aware of trials that you have not found on your own.

What if my doctor is not familiar with the trial I found?

Bring the trial listing with you. Your doctor can review the eligibility criteria and study protocol to give you an informed opinion. If the trial is at a different institution, your doctor can also help coordinate referrals.

Can my doctor refer me to a clinical trial?

Yes. Many trials accept physician referrals. Your doctor can contact the study site directly, and some trials require a referring physician to provide medical records for the screening process.

What if my doctor discourages me from joining a trial?

Listen to their reasoning — they may have concerns about your specific health situation. However, you also have the right to seek a second opinion or to contact the study team directly to learn more about the trial before making a decision.

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