Before a new treatment is tried with patients, it is carefully studied in the laboratory. This research points out the new methods most likely to succeed, and as much as possible, shows how to use them safely and effectively. With any new treatment there may be risks as well as possible benefits. There may also be risks that are not yet known. During a trial, more and more information is gained about a new treatment, its risks, and how well it may or may not work.
Patients take part in clinical trials for many reasons.
Usually, they hope for benefits for themselves. They may hope for a cure of disease, a longer time to live, a way to feel better. Often they want to contribute to a research effort that may help others. Although there is always a chance that a new treatment will be disappointing, the researchers involved in a study have reason to believe that it will be as good as, or better than, current treatments. The patients in a clinical trial are among the first to receive new research treatments before they are widely available.