Clinical trials guide

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials, Explained

Prostate cancer is studied in many clinical trials that look at treatment, monitoring, and quality of life.

This page explains in general terms how trials relate to prostate cancer care. It does not recommend a trial or determine your eligibility. Your oncology team is the best guide for your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice. Cancer Explained does not recommend clinical trials or determine eligibility. Whether a clinical trial is appropriate for you depends on your diagnosis, test results, and treatment history — please discuss clinical trials with your oncology team.

Current research areas

Broad, well-established directions researchers are exploring — not specific trials.

Targeted therapy research

Studies of treatments aimed at specific features of some prostate cancers.

Hormone-related therapy research

Studies of hormone-based approaches used in prostate cancer care.

Radiation and surgery approaches

Studies of local treatments and how they are delivered.

Survivorship and quality-of-life studies

Studies of daily life and well-being during and after treatment.

How trials fit into prostate cancer care

Clinical trials can be part of prostate cancer care at different stages. In treatment trials, people usually receive at least the standard of care.

Whether a trial fits depends on details only your team can review. Trials are one option to discuss together.

Phases you may hear about

Prostate cancer trials run across all phases. The phase does not tell you whether a trial suits you; your team can explain what a specific study involves.

New to trial phases? Read the guide →

Questions patients ask

Would I still get standard treatment?

In most treatment trials, everyone receives at least standard care.

Are there trials about active monitoring?

Some studies look at monitoring approaches. Your team can explain what may apply.

How do I find trials?

You can search official listings and ask your oncology team for help.

Questions to ask your oncologist

Could a clinical trial be an option for me?
What would the study be testing?
Would I still receive standard treatment?
What are the possible benefits and risks?
How often would I have visits or tests?
Will my insurance cover routine care during the trial?
What happens if I decide to withdraw?

Build a printable question list

Words to know

ArticleWhat Is Prostate Cancer?A plain-language look at prostate cancer, why it often grows slowly, and what screening involves, based on National Cancer Institute resources. ArticleWhat Are Clinical Trials?A plain-language explanation of what cancer clinical trials are, why they matter, and the main types, based on National Cancer Institute resources. ArticleThe Phases of Clinical TrialsA plain-language explanation of the four phases of cancer clinical trials and how randomization works, based on National Cancer Institute resources. ArticleHow to Find a Clinical TrialA plain-language, step-by-step guide to finding a cancer clinical trial — gathering your cancer details, searching ClinicalTrials.gov and NCI's trial search, and the questions to ask the research team.

Official resources

Official resource — external (NCI)NCI: Prostate Cancer Official resource — opens ClinicalTrials.govSearch prostate cancer trials on ClinicalTrials.gov