Let's focus a little more on Phase II trials. Usually, they compare two or more groups of participants. For instance, the organizers of a trial might set up two groups of 50 HIV-positive patients who have roughly the same CD4 counts and are in about the same state of health. If you are not doing well on the currently available treatments, clinical trials are a way of gaining access to new drugs that might help you. Sometimes these experimental treatments are available outside of clinical trials, and you may want to explore this option after you have discussed the matter with your care-providers.
Objectivity is extremely important in clinical research.
Long clinical trials have a mechanism built into their design, however, to ensure the safety of the participants. If a significant difference is found, the trial may be stopped and the new drug offered to everyone. For some people with HIV, there are real advantages to participation. For others, the benefits are not so clear. Sometimes these experimental treatments are available outside of clinical trials, and you may want to explore this option after you have discussed the matter with your care-providers.