What questions should I ask before joining a clinical trial?

Questions to ask your doctor:

• Do you think this clinical trial is right for me?
• Why are you recommending a clinical trial/this trial for me?
• How do you think I will benefit from participating?
• What are my risks if I join or do not join?
• Do you know if I meet the requirements to join the trial?
• Is there any information about the safety or efficacy you can share?
• How many people are on this clinical trial?

Questions to ask the clinical trial team at the clinical trial site:

• How is the treatment being studied different from regular treatments or standard care?
• Will you work with my doctor?
• Have similar clinical trials been done? What were the results?
• Will I get a placebo?
• Who will pay for my participation in the clinical trial? Will there be any cost to me personally?
• Will I need assistance from a family member or friend?
• Where do I have to go to participate? How often?
• Will I have to change my daily habits?
• Will I have tasks to do on my own at home?
• Will I be able to work, exercise, take my regular medications, etc.?
• What kind of tests will I have?
• Will I have to stay in a hospital?
• What do I do if I have reactions to the treatment?
• What if I get sicker during the trial?
• Can I talk with others in this trial?
• Can I still see my family doctor or primary care physician during the clinical trial?
• What are the risks if I am pregnant or become pregnant during the clinical trial?
• What other options do I have?
• Can I leave the clinical trial at any time?
• What happens after the clinical trial?

Questions to ask as a caregiver:

• As a caregiver, what can I expect? Will I be asked to do certain tasks?
• What changes should I look out for?
• How is the experimental treatment taken or used? How can I help?
• Who do I contact with questions?
• What support/resources does the clinical trial team offer caregivers?
• What financial support does the clinical trial team offer participants and caregivers for expenses (for example, parking, travel, meals, etc.)?