What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are studies, managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses, to develop, produce, and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases.

What are the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
Individuals who participate in research studies are given the opportunity to benefit from treatments that are not currently available to the general public, but have shown promise in previous research.

Risks from participating in a clinical trial vary depending on the study. It is important to understand that not all new treatments produce the desired effect.

Where do I find additional information about participating in a clinical trial?
Additional information about clinical trials and ongoing research can be obtained from the ClinicalTrials.gov Web site. It contains  a registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals.