A clinical trial is a research study that helps physicians evaluate new treatments, medications, and approaches to cancer care. Every study follows strict medical, ethical, and regulatory guidelines designed to protect participants while advancing future treatment options. Participation is always voluntary, made together with your physician and care team, and choosing not to participate does not affect your regular care.

Trials are conducted in four phases, each serving a different purpose. The phase number doesn’t mean a study is automatically better or worse for you individually.

• Phase I evaluates the safest dose of a promising new treatment while closely monitoring side effects.
• Phase II studies how well a treatment works against a specific type of cancer while continuing to evaluate safety.
• Phase III compares a new treatment with today’s standard treatment in larger groups of patients.
• Phase IV monitors FDA-approved treatments over time to better understand long-term safety and effectiveness.

The research team will explain each study in detail before you decide — including what is known, what remains uncertain, and what to expect.

• Potential benefits may include access to investigational therapies, close physician supervision and comprehensive monitoring, and helping advance cancer research for future patients.
• Potential considerations may include possible side effects, additional appointments or testing, travel or time requirements, the treatment not being effective for you, and risks that may not yet be fully known.

This depends on the specific study design. Your research coordinator and physician will explain exactly how a given study is structured before you decide whether to participate.

Yes. Participation is voluntary, and you may choose to stop at any time. Leaving a study does not affect your regular care.

Costs generally fall into a few categories: research-related costs that may be covered by the study sponsor, routine care costs that may be billed to insurance as usual, and any travel or personal expenses you may want to plan for. Coverage varies by study, so our research and financial teams will review the specifics with you before you decide. Ask about study costs.

Yes. Many patients choose to involve family members in conversations with the research team and physician while deciding whether to participate.

Your physician and research team monitor your progress closely throughout the study and will discuss options with you if a treatment isn’t working as hoped.

Time commitments vary by study — some require additional visits or monitoring. Your research coordinator will explain what to expect for any study you’re considering.

Your research coordinator and physician are your primary points of contact and can answer questions at any stage of the process.