Clinical trials, also called cancer treatment studies or research studies, test new treatments in people with cancer. Clinical trials test many types of treatments such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods such as gene therapy. The goal of this research is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. There are different types of clinical trials, called Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III trials. Each is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process. If your doctor does not suggest you take part in a clinical trial, you may want to ask about clinical trials as a treatment choice for you. 

<b>Possible benefits of clinical trials include:</b> 

Clinical trials offer high-quality cancer care. 

If a new treatment approach is proven to work and you are taking it, you may be among the first to benefit. 

By looking at the pros and cons of clinical trials and other treatment choices, you are taking an active role in a decision that affects your life. 

You have the chance to help others and improve cancer treatment. 

<b>Possible drawbacks:</b> 

New treatments under study are not always better than, or even as good as, standard treatment. 

Even if a new treatment has benefits, it may not work for you. 

In a study, if you are randomly assigned to have standard treatment instead of the new treatment being tested, it may not be as effective as the new approach. 

Health insurance and managed care providers do not always cover all patient care costs in a study. 

<b>Before deciding to join a clinical trial</b> you will want to ask important questions such as: 

What are the possible short- and long-term risks, side effects, and benefits to me? 

How could the study affect my daily life? 

Will I have to pay for any treatment, tests, or other charges? 

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) booklet Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need to Know lists questions you may want to ask your doctor and helps answers many of the questions you may have about clinical trials. It also informs you about your rights and protections. For example, you are free to leave a study at any time. You may order the booklet by calling NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). You can also look on the Internet at http:\\cancertrials.nih.gov. 
