What is it like to be on a trial?

Emma’s Story

Ruth’s Story

Patrick’s Story

There are a number of benefits to taking part in a cancer trial and some potential drawbacks..

These can vary between trials.

If you agree to take part in a trial, these will be explained to you in detail before you give your written consent to participate.

Benefits

  • You may be among the first to benefit from the latest cancer treatments that are not yet available through the health service or another means.
  • Experienced consultants and cancer researchers will oversee your medical care.
  • Your health care and response to treatment will be closely monitored during and after the trial.
  • You will be making an important contribution to finding better ways to detect and treat cancer.
  • You do not have to pay for treatments or tests (such as scans) that you receive, which are outside of your normal standard of care.

Potential Drawbacks

  • You may not always receive the new treatment, or the new treatment may not prove to be any better than treatments currently available.
  • Even if a new treatment is effective for some patients, it may not work for you.
  • Treatments can have side effects, and new treatments may cause side effects not previously known to doctors.
  • Extra visits to the hospital may be needed.