You may have heard clinical trials referred to as clinical studies or clinical research. Clinical trials are the “gold standard” in medical testing and can be used to test new drugs, devices, and treatments for safety and efficacy. But clinical trials also come with a lot of questions: What is a clinical trial? Who should participate? How do you get chosen? How much does it cost to participate? This blog post will answer all your questions about clinical trials!
What is a clinical trial?
These are clinical studies that involve clinical investigation of new treatments, drugs, therapies, and medical devices to help us better understand their safety and effectiveness.
Who should participate?
People who have a specific disease or condition are the best candidates for clinical trials because it is hoped that they will benefit from participation in clinical research. Additionally, those who meet any of the following criteria may be eligible; patients who have received a clinical diagnosis and are not currently receiving treatment. People with diseases that do not yet have an effective cure, no approved treatments available for clinical use by the FDA, etc.
Who can’t participate?
People who should avoid clinical trials include those with the following conditions/situations; pregnant or breastfeeding women unless studied as part of their prenatal care plan. Anyone under 18 years old (unless they fall into one of these categories). Newborns whose mothers participated in clinical trials during pregnancy. Those with life-threatening illnesses with insufficient time to complete all testing before death occurs or if the clinical trial would only prolong the patient’s suffering. Anyone with a chronic medical condition that isn’t life-threatening, like arthritis or diabetes (unless it is being studied as part of their management plan). People who should be especially cautious before participating in clinical trials include those who are age 65 and older. Those whose family members have had an adverse reaction to medications during clinical trials. Additionally, those with compromised immune systems due to HIV infection, organ transplantation, chemotherapy treatment for cancer, or long-term steroid use.
How do you get chosen?
There are a lot of factors involved when choosing clinical trial participants, such as your health status. How advanced the disease or condition is. What medicines you may be taking already. Whether there might be any conflicts between those medications and study requirements (e.g., blood/liver tests), etc., so keep an eye out on social media about clinical trials. Many pharmaceutical companies run ads looking for clinical trial participants.
How much does it cost to participate?
For these trials, there is no charge to you. The clinical trial sponsor often pays for the cost of any study-related care and your travel expenses, too. If you are randomized into a treatment arm that receives the clinical trial medication, you will receive financial compensation.
In clinical trials, you play a vital role! Responsible clinical research saves lives and helps our community and communities throughout the world to have better treatments available for those who need it most.
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