Have you thought about participating in a clinical trial but are confused by the choices? You’re not alone. For many patients, the hardest part is just figuring out how to navigate the pathway to joining a clinical trial. If you are living with a rare disease, a chronic condition, or you are supporting some who has an interest in clinical research, finding the right clinical trial is a big decision and needs to be taken seriously.
Why Your Choice Matters
Clinical trials help advance new therapies and better patient management. By taking part, you’re not only potentially tapping into the cutting edge of therapies – you’re helping to pave the way for the future of medicine. But, given the thousands of studies that we have available, how do you identify the one that is best for you?
What to Consider When Selecting a Clinical Trial
What I have always found best when making big decision is to create a list and, in that list, have points to consider. This typically makes the task less daunting. Clinical trials are no different and when I was considering a trial (pending a diagnosis) I came up with this list that I am happy to share, slightly adapted for you:
Treatment Options
- What is the intervention being evaluated? (new drug, device, or therapy, for instance)
- How does it measure up against standard treatments available today?
- What are the odds you’ll get a placebo?
Location and Travel
- Which area is the site of the study?
- How frequently will you need to go?
- Is travel support available?
Time Commitment
- How long does the trial last?
- How often do you go and how often do they do things?
- Are you able to conduct your normal business or day-to-day life?
Safety and Side Effects
- What are some risks and side effects?
- How does this compare with your current or future treatment?
- What safety precautions are being taken?
Eligibility Criteria
- Are all the eligibility criteria fulfilled?
- Are there criteria that will mean you are not suitable?
Follow-up Care
- What happens after the trial concludes?
- If it works, will you have access to the treatment?
Research Team Experience
- Does the team conducting the study have relevant experience?
- What’s their history in similar trials?
Family Considerations
- How does being involved impact those closest to you, i.e. friends and family?
- Do you have their support?
Addressing Common Concerns
Patients worry about the safety of clinical trials. Whilst there are risks, you can make that statement about anything such as driving a car, crossing a road etc. As long as the study is conducted in a reputable location, all clinical studies are conducted under strict ethical guidelines, and they are monitored for patient safety. Approval of clinical trials in the UK serves as an example of the protection of patients, as evidenced by the approved trials by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in November 2024 [1].
A related worry is that participants might be given a placebo. Although this does happen in some trials, many studies — especially of serious conditions — do not use placebos as control groups but rather “active comparators.” So you’re more likely to get an active treatment, even if that treatment isn’t the new intervention being studied.
How to Search for and Assess Clinical Trials
Use Trusted Online Databases
- gov: A database of clinical studies around the world.
- EU Clinical Trials Register: Trials conducted in the European Union.
- Privately run trial platforms – such as pRxEngage, with information provided to patients in lay language and access to tools to help you work out if you are suitable and mentally prepared for a trial.
Check With Patient Advocacy Groups
- Most condition-specific organisations keep lists of relevant trials
- They frequently offer personalised advice and support
Communicate With Your Health Care Provider
- Your doctor can also help you navigate which trials may be best for your condition.
- They could also offer precious information concerning the risks and potential that combines.
Use Trial Matching Services
- There are some organisations that have services to match patients with appropriate trials based on individual criteria. These services often require you to share a lot of medical information with them.
Questions to Consider Before You Enrol
Before you decide, ask the research team these critical questions:
- What is the primary objective of this study?
- What do I have to gain from this trial?
- What are the potential risks?
- Who will take care of me during the trial?
- Will I incur any costs for participating?
- How will I be protected as far as privacy is concerned?
Making Your Decision
Picking the right clinical trial also is a personal choice based on your particular circumstances, health condition, and goals. Get all the facts first before making a decision; wait as long as you want, do not rush to get information, feel free to ask questions. Remember, you’re not just a participant — you’re a partner in advancing medical research.
With research and a mindful approach, you can discover a clinical trial that fits your needs. Your involvement may not just help you but may also lead to new advancements that aid many other people down the line.
