I want to participate in a clinical trial

Potential benefits and risks of joining a clinical trial

Participating in a clinical trial is a voluntary decision that may offer a chance to access new treatments and therapies not yet available to the public. These experimental treatments can take up to 15 years to become widely available. They may offer new options if standard treatments are not effective or suitable for your condition.

By joining a clinical trial, you could:

• Access new treatments early: Be part of innovative research and try alternative options not yet available on the market.
• Contribute to medical progress: Help researchers gather evidence on the safety and effectiveness of treatments, improving health care for future generations.
• Receive enhanced care: Benefit from close monitoring by a highly trained team of doctors, nurses, and clinical staff.
• Improve health care standards: Support continuous training for health care professionals and best-practice health care delivery.

While there are many potential benefits, it’s important to consider the risks and commitments that could be involved, including:

• Side effects: Experimental treatments may have side effects that are not all known.
• Time and commitment: Clinical trials often need more tests, visits and a stricter schedule compared to standard treatment. Ensure you’re comfortable with the commitment.
• No guaranteed benefit: The experimental treatment may not perform better than standard care.
• Placebo-controlled trials: Some trials use placebos for comparison, meaning you may not receive the experimental treatment but will still receive effective care if available.