Joining a trial or study

This section explains how to find out about a clinical trial or other research study and what happens once you decide to participate.

Learn more about:

• Finding a trial or study
• Deciding to take part
• Who can join a study?
• Informed consent
• Your role in a trial or study
• Continuing the treatment
• Withdrawing from a study
• Finding trial results

Finding a trial or study

There are many ways to find out about clinical trials and other research studies. Most cancer specialists know about current studies and may recommend you join a suitable study, or you can ask them if there are any trials you can consider. If your hospital has a clinical trials or research nurse, you can also ask them about current studies. You don’t have to join a study at your current treatment centre – your doctor can refer you to a suitable trial at another centre.

Hospital and treatment centre waiting rooms often have information about current studies, or you might hear about a study through patient support groups, in the general media or through social media (such as Facebook). Before providing any personal information, especially via social media, check the study with your doctors.

You can also search clinical trials websites. If there isn’t a suitable study available right now, you can register through websites such as register4.org.au and www.cart-wheel.org, and they will tell you about any studies that come up in the future.

If you find a trial or study you’re interested in joining, discuss it with your cancer specialist. You can ask them if you meet the eligibility criteria and, if so, whether they could coordinate your involvement or put you in touch with the research team.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, a friend told me about the study. Getting involved was simple. Participating in cancer research is about giving to other people, and I think that’s a very valuable thing.

Phillipa

Video: What is a clinical trial?

In this video, Medical Oncologist Dr Elizabeth Hovey explains what clinical trials are and how they can improve cancer treatment.