Are placebos used in cancer clinical trials?

Placebos are rarely used in cancer treatment clinical trials. In most cases, one group of participants receives the new treatment and another group receives the already approved standard treatment. Researchers then compare the two treatments to see if the new one should become the new standard.

If placebos are used, you will always be told ahead of time and can ask questions before deciding to join the trial. The use of placebos is covered in the consent form.

Placebos are generally used when no standard treatment for a cancer exists. They may also be used in a trial that compares standard treatment plus a placebo with standard treatment plus the study treatment, and they may be used in other kinds of trials, such as prevention trials. Your care team can explain whether a specific trial uses a placebo.