Clinical Research Center
Frequently Asked Questions for Patients
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision.
The following frequently asked questions provide introductory information
about clinical trials. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to a physician,
family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. After identifying
some trial options, the next step is to contact the study research staff
and ask questions about specific trials.
A Patient’s Introduction to Clinical Research
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial (also clinical research) is a research study in
human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted
clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments
that work in people and ways to improve health. Interventional trials
determine whether experimental treatments or new ways of using known
therapies are safe and effective under controlled environments. Observational
trials address health issues in large groups of people or populations
in natural settings.
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Why participate in a clinical trial?
Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their
own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they
are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.
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Who sponsors clinical trials
Clinical trials are sponsored or funded by a variety of organizations
or individuals such as physicians, medical institutions, foundations,
voluntary groups, and pharmaceutical companies, in addition to federal
agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department
of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). Trials
can take place in a variety of locations, such as hospitals, universities,
doctors' offices, or community clinics.
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What is a protocol?
A protocol is a study plan on which all clinical trials are based.
The plan is carefully designed to safeguard the health of the participants
as well as answer specific research questions. A protocol describes
what types of people may participate in the trial; the schedule of tests,
procedures, medications, and dosages; and the length of the study. While
in a clinical trial, participants following a protocol are seen regularly
by the research staff to monitor their health and to determine the safety
and effectiveness of their treatment.
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What is a placebo?
A placebo is an inactive pill, liquid, or powder that has no treatment
value. In clinical trials, experimental treatments are often compared
with placebos to assess the experimental treatment's effectiveness. In
some studies, the participants in the control group will receive a placebo
instead of an active drug or experimental treatment.
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What is a control or control group?
A control is the standard by which experimental observations are
evaluated. In many clinical trials, one group of patients will be
given an experimental drug or treatment, while the control group is given
either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo.
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What are the different types of clinical trials?
- Treatment trials test experimental treatments, new combinations
of drugs, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.
- Prevention trials look for better ways to prevent disease
in people who have never had the disease or to prevent a disease from
returning. These approaches may include medicines, vitamins, vaccines,
minerals, or lifestyle changes.
- Diagnostic trials are conducted to find better tests or procedures
for diagnosing a particular disease or condition.
- Screening trials test the best way to detect certain diseases
or health conditions. Quality of Life trials (or Supportive
Care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and the quality of life
for individuals with a chronic illness.
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What are the phases of clinical trials?
Clinical trials are conducted in phases. The trials at each phase
have a different purpose and help scientists answer different questions:
- Phase I trials, researchers test an experimental drug or treatment
in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate
its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
- Phase II trials, the experimental study drug or treatment is given
to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective
and to further evaluate its safety.
- Phase III trials, the experimental study drug or treatment is given
to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness,
monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and
collect information that will allow the experimental drug or treatment
to be used safely.
- Phase IV trials, post marketing studies delineate
additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and
optimal use.
Reference: www.clinicaltrials.gov
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