Is it safe to participate in clinical trials

Every treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial. Rest assured, patient safety is a top priority in all clinical trials, and patients have rights that protect them.

Clinical trials have specific eligibility criteria. Trials are carefully designed to specify which patients can and cannot participate — to maximize the information that can be gathered, to ensure that the investigational treatment is given to patients most likely to respond and to make sure the trial is conducted safely.

A list of treatment options , including applicable clinical trials, will be provided to help patients enhance the conversation they have with their healthcare teams. Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals can conduct personalized clinical trials searches.

No one should face pancreatic cancer alone. Learn how we can support you. Mon — Fri, 7 a. PT You can also contact us using the below form. Get the latest news and updates from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Trials follow a carefully controlled protocol, a study plan that details what researchers will do in the study. When the clinical trial concludes, researchers report the results of the trial at scientific meetings, to medical journals, and to various government agencies.

Individual participants' names are kept confidential. Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Is it safe to participate in a clinical trial? These rules are enforced by the Federal Government. Each clinical trial also follows a careful study plan or protocol that describes what the researchers will do.

The principal investigator, or head researcher, is responsible for making sure that the protocol is followed. The IRB is made up of doctors, scientists, and lay people, like yourself, who are dedicated to making sure that the study participants are not exposed to unnecessary risks. The people on the IRB regularly review the study and its results.

They make sure that risks or potential harm to participants are as low as possible. The Committee is made up of experts in your condition who periodically look at the results of the study as it is in progress. If they find that the experimental treatment is not working or is harming participants, they will stop the trial right away.

The informed consent process also helps protect participants. Before joining a clinical trial, you will be told what to expect as a participant and all the things that might happen. For example, someone from the research team will explain possible side effects or other risks of the treatment.