What is a clinical study (also called a “clinical trial”)?
A clinical study is a research study that tests how well a new medical approach works in people and the side effects it produces.
Every clinical study answers one or several specific scientific questions and tries to find different or better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat a disease.
Clinical studies are usually conducted in a series of steps called Phases. People who take part in them are often able to gain access to new treatment before it is generally available, as well as make a valuable contribution to medical progress for the benefit of all.
There are several types of clinical studies, evaluating the prevention, treatment or screening of a disease. They may be sponsored by various organizations, including government health services, institutions, foundations or pharmaceutical companies.
All studies are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles, and have a protocol, or set of rules, which details exactly what will be done, how, when and why.
This protocol also has guidelines, called “eligibility criteria” on who can and cannot take part in the study, based on patients’ medical condition, status, history and other important criteria.
Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary. Eligible patients who wish to take part are required to sign an “informed consent” agreement, showing that they understand what is involved before taking part. The study team will explain all of the details of the study to you before you sign this form.
Cancer clinical studies are designed to evaluate various aspects of treatment (such as prevention of recurrence, side effects, etc) in people who are affected by cancer.
