By taking part in a clinical trial, you can try a new treatment that may or may not be better than those already available. You can also contribute to better understanding of how the treatment works in people of different ethnic backgrounds and genders. In other words, some volunteers may be getting no treatment at all. Some treatments that are being tested have side effects that can be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening. Because the treatments being studied are new, doctors don't always know what the side effects will be.
Many side effects are temporary and go away when the treatment is stopped.
But others can be permanent. Some side effects appear during treatment, while others may not show up until after the treatment is over. The risks depend on the treatment being studied and should be fully explained to you in the informed consent material. One good way to find out if there are any treatments in clinical trials that might help you is to ask your doctor.