What questions should I ask before joining a clinical trial?

Before joining a clinical trial, it helps to ask your doctor and the research team questions in a few key areas.

• About the trial: What is its purpose? Why may the treatment being studied be better — or not better — than the current one? How long will I be in the trial, how many visits are needed, and what tests and treatments are involved? How will I learn the results?
• About risks and benefits: What are the possible side effects and risks? What are the possible benefits? How do these compare to standard treatment?
• About your rights: How will my health information be kept private? If I leave the trial, what other options will I have?
• About costs: Which costs will I pay, and what will my insurance cover?
• About daily life: How could the trial affect my daily life, travel, and time, and will I have check-ups afterward?

Asking these questions can help you make an informed choice that is right for you.