Clinical Trials
Participating in a Clinical Trial, part 2
Kenneth J. Pienta, M.D. and Denise Mouro, R.N. discuss what a "blinded" study is and that patients can
withdraw from a clinical trial any time.
How can I be sure I get the experimental drug?
You can't. The purpose of a clinical trial is to find out whether an experimental drug works better than conventional treatment. To ensure
valid results, most clinical trials are blinded so neither you nor your doctor will know which type of medicine you receive.
What if I decide I want out of the study?
You have the legal right to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time for any reason. If you decide to withdraw, you will continue to
be treated at the U-M Cancer Center with the best conventional therapies available for your type of cancer.
Who pays for a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are sponsored by federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health or by private pharmaceutical or biotechnology firms.
The costs of the clinical trial and the experimental therapy are covered by the sponsor. You and your insurance company are responsible for the
cost of tests and procedures that are part of standard medical care. Before enrolling in a clinical trial, it is important to know exactly what
will be covered by the trial's sponsor. Ask the doctor or nurse-practitioner in charge of the trial and check with your insurance company before
you agree to volunteer.
The nurses at Cancer AnswerLine™ have answers. Call 1-800-865-1125 and you'll get a personal response from one of our registered nurses,
who have years of experience in caring for people with cancer.
Adjust Text Size