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Questions for your doctor about a trial

To decide about joining a trial, write your questions down and take them to the appointment. You can bring someone close to you.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An open blank notebook with a pen on a dark wooden table
Figure 1.A notebook for your questions

01Short answer

Useful questions: What is this trial studying? What other options do I have? Which side effects are expected? How often will I need to come in, and will I stay in hospital? Who pays the costs, including travel and accommodation? Can I keep receiving the treatment after the trial ends? Will I be told the results? Whom can I call at any hour? Write the answers down or, with permission, record the conversation.

02Simple explanation

Write questions down.

Bring someone.

Record the answers.

Do not rush.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: it is recommended to ask your doctor and the trial team questions before joining.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

About treatment

Aim, risks, alternatives and duration.

A conversation
Figure 2.A conversation — Questions for your doctor about a trial

About daily life

Travel, costs, work and family.

A question lantern
Figure 3.A question lantern — Questions for your doctor about a trial

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
About treatmentAim, risks, alternatives and duration.
About daily lifeTravel, costs, work and family.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Protocol
The detailed trial plan.
Research coordinator
A team member who answers day-to-day questions.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to ask many questions?

No, it is normal and expected.

What if I forget the answer?

Ask again or request a written explanation.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is it rude to ask many questions?

  2. What if I forget the answer?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Informed Consent in Clinical Trials
  2. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  3. National Cancer Institute. Patient Safety in Clinical Trials
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: genomic profiling
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: liquid biopsy
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: drug resistance
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: menin inhibitor
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: antibody-drug conjugate
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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