Learn About Clinical Trials
Basic to advanced information for all audiences about clinical trials. Learn about what clinical trials are, why they are important, and why people choose to take part. Also, learn strategies for educating others about the importance of clinical trials.
On this page:
Basic Information
Advanced Information
Tools for Community Outreach
Basic Information
- Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
Defines clinical trials, discusses what patients might expect if they participate in a trial, and discusses things to think about when deciding to participate. - If You Want To Find Ways To Prevent Cancer...Learn About Prevention Clinical Trials
Easy-to-read brochure that explains the basics of cancer prevention trials. - Providing Your Tissue For Research: What You Need To Know
Research with tissue can help prevent and treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Tissue may be used in all types of research, such as finding the causes of disease, developing new tests or new drugs. Tissue may also be used for genetic research, or research looking diseases that are passed on in families. - How to Find a Cancer Treatment Trial: A 10-Step Guide
This guide will help you to learn about cancer treatment trials that are of potential benefit to you and to decide whether to participate in a particular trial. - Understanding Cancer Clinical Trials
An educational DVD that discusses types of clinical trials, how they are conducted, and factors to think about for people who are considering participation. (17 minutes, includes discussion guide.) - What Is Randomization?
A randomized, controlled trial is considered the most reliable and impartial method of determining what medical interventions work the best.
Advanced Information
- Cancer Clinical Trials
This fact sheet covers types of clinical trials, who sponsors them, how they are conducted, how participants are protected, and who pays for the patient care costs associated with a clinical trial. - Which Study Results Are the Most Helpful in Making Cancer Care Decisions?
This article explains why a randomized, controlled clinical trial is considered the gold standard in cancer research. - Understanding the Approval Process for New Cancer Treatments
A look at how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration relies on the results of clinical trials to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new cancer treatments before they go on the market. - Cancer Clinical Trials: The Basic Workbook
Self-modulated resource is designed for individuals who want to develop a basic understanding of clinical trials. Each section is followed by an exercise or review questions. This resource is designed to complement the other materials in the NCI Clinical Trials Education Series. - Cancer Clinical Trials: The In-Depth Program
Resource designed for health care professionals and others who seek a more in-depth understanding of clinical trials. This resource is designed to complement the other materials in the NCI Clinical Trials Education Series. - Cancer Clinical Trial Basics online course
A Web-based course for individuals who have a limited clinical research background and are somewhat unfamiliar with the clinical trials process. - Donating Tissue for Cancer Research: Biospecimens and Biorepositories
This fact sheet describes the importance of biospecimens and biorepositories in cancer research, and NCI's efforts to increase the availability of high-quality biospecimens. Also explains how patients and others can help support research that uses biospecimens.
Tools for Community Outreach
- Cancer Clinical Trials: A Resource Guide for Outreach, Education, and Advocacy
Resource designed to help individuals and organizations find ways to participate and engage your community in clinical trials outreach and education activities. Includes worksheets and a Plan for Action to help both individuals and organizations plan outreach efforts. - Trainer's Guide for Cancer Education
This guide is designed for both lay people and health professionals who conduct group-training sessions with community and scientific audiences. It offers practical suggestions for trainers to enliven training programs, encourage more active participation, and enrich the learning experience for everyone involved. Includes worksheets to help both individuals and organizations plan training programs.
