• Take an active role in your own health care
• Gain access to new treatments that are not available to the public
• Obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial
• Help others by contributing to medical research

Clinical trials have risks:

• There may be side effects or adverse reactions to medications or treatments
• The treatment may not be effective for you

You should know as much as possible about the research study before participating. It is very important for you to feel comfortable asking questions and the staff should answer them in a way you can understand.

• Why the research is being done
• What the researchers want to accomplish
• What will be done during the trial and for how long
• What risks are involved in the trial
• What benefits can be expected from the trial
• What other treatments are available
• The fact that you have the right to leave the trial at any time

If you are considering joining a clinical trial, the research staff will give you informed consent documents that include the details about the study. Because joining a clinical trial is an important decision, you should ask the research team any questions you may have about the study and the consent forms before you make a decision.

It is also a good idea to take the consent documents home and discuss them with family members or friends. Talking about your options can help you to feel comfortable with your decision. If you decide to join a clinical trial, be sure to ask for a copy of the informed consent documents so you can review them at any time.