Frequently Asked Questions

What is a clinical trial?

A cancer clinical trial is a research study that tests new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. These trials help doctors find better ways to prevent, diagnose, treat and cure cancer.

What types of clinical trials do you offer?

We offer several types of clinical trials at Markey. Not all trials involve cancer treatments:

• Treatment trials test new drugs or therapies. These trials may include infusion therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, radiopharmaceuticals and surgery.
• Supportive care and management trials help patients manage side effects and improve quality of life. These trials may explore prevention strategies to reduce the risk of cancer coming back or developing in the first place. 
• Survivorship studies examine treatment's long-term effects. These research studies seek ways to reduce side effects and improve quality of life.
• Population-based studies look at large groups of people to identify factors that contribute to cancer risk. These studies may involve researching environmental factors like water quality and air pollution, as well as genetic factors.

Search for clinical trials:

• Search for Markey clinical trials
• Search for all active clinical trials in the U.S.

You may also see information about clinical trial opportunities in your MyChart account.

Where can I get more information about clinical trials? 

You can get more information on cancer research and clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). You can also look up definitions in the NCI’s Dictionary of Cancer Terms.

How do I qualify for a clinical trial?
As an academic research center, we regularly screen patients for trials that could help them. Your doctor and the research team will consider trials throughout your treatment. We’ll let you know if we think a trial is a good option for you. You can also let us know if you're interested in a trial. 

Once you’re screened for eligibility, we will:

• Explain all the details of the clinical trial to you.
• Go over the consent document with you. This is the document you’ll sign if you choose to participate. It lists all the steps of the trial and the risks and benefits. 
• Give you time to decide whether you want to participate in the trial. You can take the consent document home to share with your loved ones. 
• Have you sign the consent document if you agree to participate in the trial. 
• Explain the trial details to you again before you start the trial. 

What are the benefits and risks of a clinical trial?
You’ll get information about all possible benefits and risks before signing up for a clinical trial. 

How much time will this take?
That varies for each clinical trial. Most trials require extra doctor visits and tests beyond what you have with standard cancer treatment. We’ll explain the details of your trial before you start so you know what to expect before you agree to participate.

How much will this cost?
It doesn’t cost you extra money to be part of a clinical trial. The sponsors of the trial pay costs for any extra appointments, tests or drugs. Your insurance or Medicare or Medicaid still covers your standard cancer care. Still, you should check with your insurance about any financial implications.

Can I pick the treatment I get in a clinical trial?
No, but you can always choose whether or not to participate in a clinical trial. 

Many trials are randomized. It’s like flipping a coin: randomization means you're randomly selected to get one of two treatments. You either get the standard care (the best current treatment) or the standard care with a new treatment. 

Randomization is important for the success and accuracy of trials. It ensures studies aren’t affected by a doctor or researcher’s bias. All humans have bias, often without knowing it. When people are randomly selected for parts of a study, we can make sure that bias doesn’t affect the results. 

Will I get a placebo? 
A placebo is a pill or treatment that isn’t real. Some studies use placebos to compare results between the placebo and the proposed new treatment. 

You will always get the standard cancer treatment offered for your type of cancer even if you receive a placebo during a trial. With some trials, you may also get an additional new treatment we’re testing. 

In some cases, you won’t know if you’re getting a new treatment or not. This is called a blind study. In other cases, your doctor also won’t know if you’re getting the new treatment. This is called a double blind study. Shielding this information can help prevent biases that show up in research studies.

Even when patients do get a placebo, they often get better results. That’s likely because of the added layer of support and care that comes with a clinical trial.

What if I start a clinical trial but want to stop?
You can leave a trial at any time and for any reason. 

How do I know this is safe?
Your safety and health are our number one priority. Markey Cancer Center’s integrity and reputation rests on the safety of our clinical trials.

Strict safety rules from the federal and state government govern every trial. A local Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews each trial before it can begin and monitors the progress of every trial to ensure your safety. The IRB’s job is to ensure your safety and monitor all of the research teams at Markey. 

If I’m in a trial, do I stop getting other treatments?
No, you will always get the standard cancer treatment available. Standard care is the most effective care we currently have. You may also get additional treatment through the trial. Treatments offered through trials aren’t proven but have shown promise in earlier studies.

How will you support me during a clinical trial?
Whether you’re in a trial or not, Markey has a team of support specialists to help you with the emotional, physical and financial challenges of cancer. Our services include counseling, nutrition support, financial assistance, support groups and more.

Is this an experiment? 
Clinical trials are a type of experiment or test in a safe environment. But you won’t be experimented on. In fact, you’re a valuable member of the clinical trial team. The research team and your regular care team will support you during the trial. You can talk to us and ask questions at any stage. If you feel like something isn’t quite right, we want to know and we will listen. 

Clinical trials are valuable studies that contribute to the next generation of cancer care. Every cancer treatment we have today was made possible because people participated in clinical trials. It’s the best and safest way to determine the treatments that work and those that don’t. 

All clinical trials at Markey Cancer Center and throughout the U.S. are strictly governed by laws that ensure your safety. Every one of our trials is reviewed and monitored by an Institutional Review Board. You are also free to leave a trial for any reason with no questions asked.