what to Ask A Researcher

When you contact a clinical trial site, take the opportunity to ask the research staff any questions you may have about the trial.

Remember: The decision to enter — or not enter — a breast cancer clinical trial is completely up to you.

These are some of the questions you may want to ask — and that you should know the answer to — before you decide to enroll in a breast cancer trial:

The Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

What is the purpose of this breast cancer trial?
Why do doctors think the approach may be effective?
Who is sponsoring this trial?
Who can participate in this trial?
What are the eligibility requirements?
How long will the trial last?
Can I talk to other people in the trial?
What are the "results to date"?
How much time do I have to decide whether to enter this trial?
What is the long-term follow-up care?
What happens if I am doing well on the drug? Can I keep using it while the manufacturer seeks FDA approval?

The Trial’s Risks and Benefits

What are the possible short-term benefits?
What are the possible long-term benefits?
What side effects might I experience?
Are there treatments to alleviate side effects?
Are there any potential long-term risks?
How do the potential benefits compare to other treatment options?
How will the trial and its possible side effects affect my daily life?
Who will review the information collected during the trial?

The Trial’s Participation Requirements and Care

Will I be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long?
What tests, procedures, and treatments will I have during the trial?
How do these tests, procedures, and treatments differ from those I would have if I didn't take part in this trial?
Where will these tests, procedures, and treatments be done?
Who will do them?
What will be my responsibilities if I participate?
Will I still see my own doctor on a regular basis?
Who will monitor my care and safety?
What support will be available for my caregivers and me during the trial?

Trial-Related Costs

Will my heath insurance company cover any or all of my costs? If so, how much?
Will I have to pay for tests or the study drug or anything else? If so, what will the charges be?
Who can answer questions about what my health insurance will cover?
Will there be any travel costs that I will be responsible for?
Will there be childcare costs that I need to consider?

You may also want to review Questions for Doctors.