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Research and new methods

Trials in the USA

Many leukaemia clinical trials take place in the USA. Most are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, and NCI also offers its own search service.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A map
Figure 1.A map — Trials in the USA

01Short answer

Trials run at university centres, NCI-designated cancer centres and children's oncology networks. Joining as an international patient can be possible, but visas, insurance, treatment and living costs, long-term follow-up and language barriers are serious questions. Each trial page lists contacts; the first step is for your own doctor to review the trial page.

02Simple explanation

ClinicalTrials.gov.

NCI search.

Ask about costs.

Check with your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

ClinicalTrials.gov is an open registry covering trials from many countries.

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?

Searching

Filters for disease, genetic change, location and status.

Aerial view of the NIH Clinical Center building in Bethesda, USA
Figure 2.The NIH Clinical Center in the USA

International participants

Clarify costs and follow-up in advance.

A network
Figure 3.A network — Trials in the USA

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
SearchingFilters for disease, genetic change, location and status.
International participantsClarify costs and follow-up in advance.
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

NCT number
A trial's identifier on ClinicalTrials.gov.
NCI cancer centre
A research centre recognised by NCI.
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

Are US trials free?

The study medicine is often free, but other costs are possible.

Is information available in my language?

Usually in English; ask about an interpreter.

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. Are US trials free?

  2. Is information available in my language?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov
  2. National Cancer Institute. Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are 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: bispecific antibody
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: T-cell receptor
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: umbilical cord blood transplantation
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: conditioning regimen
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: bioinformatics
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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