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Why Clinical Trials Are Important

Clinical Trials are done to answer specific scientific questions such as how to improve disease prevention, detection and treatment. Clinical trials also show researchers what does and does not work.  To reach these goals, new procedures, devices and/or medications are tested for safety and effectiveness during a clinical trial.


Will I will get better medical treatment in a clinical study?

Answer: Researchers cannot guarantee outcomes or benefits from participation. Patients receive treatment form doctors who are leaders in their field. Patients are very closely monitored for their safety.


Am I stuck once I sign up? Or can I get out?

Answer: Not true – you can quit a clinical study at any time, for any reason. Your doctor will continue to administer the best known standard treatment for you.


Are clinical trials not safe? Am I gambling with my health?

Answer: New treatments are tested only after there is valid scientific evidence that they are likely to be effective and safe. Patients are informed of possible known risks, as well as possible unforseen risks.


Is there a risk of getting randomized to a sugar pill (placebo)?

Answer: All randomized clinical studies offer patients at least the best known standard treatment in one arm of the trial. Experimental arms are compared to the standard treatment. If a standard treatment is unavailable, we compare to placebo.


Will my health insurance pay for treatment in a clinical study.

Answer: If a clinical study consists of care that would otherwise be considered standard of care, your insurance company can be billed. If the only purpose of the visit, treatment, or procedure is for research, your insurance company cannot be billed.