What are the benefits of joining a clinical trial?

Every clinical trial is different, so its benefits can differ too. Some of the possible benefits of joining a treatment clinical trial include:

• The trial may help researchers learn more about cancer and help people in the future.
• You might have access to a treatment that is under study and that may not be available to people outside the trial.
• The research team will watch you closely, which adds an extra layer of care to your health.
• Though not common, if the treatment being studied is more effective than the standard treatment, you may be among the first to benefit.

It is also important to know that trials have possible risks, such as the study treatment not being better than standard treatment, or having serious side effects. Asking about both the benefits and the risks can help you decide what is right for you.