What are the Benefits and Risks?

Will a clinical trial cure me?

The unknown element inherent in clinical trials a big factor to consider. You may get better, you may see no change, or you may get worse. Your participation in the study will determine whether a treatment is effective or not. Weighing the potential benefits and risks involved in a clinical trial is a very important part of deciding whether to participate.

Benefits

• Gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available
• Obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial
• Help others by contributing to medical research
• Play an active role in your own health care
• You may be among the first to benefit if the approach being studied is found to be helpful

Risks

• Side effects may be unpleasant, serious or life-threatening
• The experimental treatment may not be effective for the participant
• The protocol may require more time and attention than would a non-protocol treatment, including trips to the study site, more treatments, hospital stays or complex dosage requirements

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