What to Expect During a Clinical Trial for Your Cancer Treatment

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you may be interested in participating in a clinical trial, or in learning more about them.

“Your doctors may do their own research and find a trial that is a good fit for you,” explains June Y. Hou, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center. “Or you can definitely venture out and do some of your own research.”

What can I expect before the clinical trial treatment starts?

When you’re first looking into a clinical trial for cancer treatment, you’ll undergo what’s called pre-screening. This is when the research team gives you an overview of the trial. They will go over your medical history and ask you questions to see whether you’re eligible for the trial.

The next phase involves something called informed consent. This is when the research team goes through all the clinical trial details with you so that you understand what’s happening. These details will include the logistics, the reasons for the trial, and any known side effects you might experience from the treatment. 

“It is also a really great opportunity for the patients to ask any questions that they may have to the research team about some of the unforeseeable events that may come up during participating [in the] clinical trial,” says Hou.

After you’ve asked all your questions and heard the details, you’ll sign a consent form if you’ve decided to participate.

“The duration of a clinical trial can sometimes seem like a daunting and also a lengthy process,” says You. “The goal is to get patients onto the treatment part of the clinical trial as soon as possible.”

What can I expect when the clinical trial begins?

When the clinical trial begins, you’ll first enter the screening process. This is when the team reviews your medical history, conducts lab tests, and takes other measures of your health, which they’ll continue to do during and after your treatment.

Then, you will receive the treatment that is being tested by the clinical trial.

Hou explains that you can always choose to leave the trial if your cancer gets worse, if side effects are intolerable, or if you simply want to.

What happens after the clinical trial?

After the treatment phase comes the follow-up phase. This is when the research team reaches out by phone or email to ask about your health and make sure the treatment continues to be safe. 

Participating in a clinical trial is a personal decision that can feel overwhelming, but understanding the steps can help you feel more prepared. If you're curious about whether one might be right for you, talk with your doctor and ask questions. Your voice and comfort matter every step of the way.