Benefits
Clinical studies that are well-executed and well-designed are a good approach for eligible volunteers to:
Have an active role in their health care.
Obtain access to new treatments before they are available.
Help other individuals by contributing to research
Risks
As with most treatments, there are possible risks to volunteering for a clinical study. These possible risks are:
Participation may involve more time than routine care. This may include visits to the study location, frequent procedures or treatments, telephone calls from the study staff, answering questions, a possible hospital stay or a more complicated medication regimen.
The study treatment may not work for every person.
In some studies, there could be a possibility of unpleasant, serious – including life-threatening – side effects when undergoing investigational trials.