Clinical trials are studies designed to test the most promising new treatments available for patients. People choose to participate in clinical trials for a variety of reasons: To try a new and promising treatment method, to contribute to the development of future treatments, and to help find a cure for a specific disease or illness. Clinical trials test new drugs, equipment, and treatments that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved, and new surgical techniques. Clinical trials also may test a new drug with standard treatment that is already FDA approved.