Frequently Asked Questions
about clinical research
Many questions arise when considering participation in a clinical trial. Here is a short list of the most frequently asked questions. Q-CROC thanks the members of the Patient Partners Committee of the Quebec Cancer Consortium for their contribution to the development of this FAQ.
What is a clinical trial in oncology?
A clinical trial in oncology is a research project on cancer. It may also be called a clinical study. A clinical trial is used to test experimental cancer treatments or experimental approaches to prevent or diagnose cancer (e.g., drugs, medical devices or other medical interventions) in humans.
An experimental treatment may eventually become a “standard” treatment (available to the general population) if the results of clinical trials show that it is safe and effective.
Who conducts these trials?
Research teams (including nurses, pharmacists and other professionals), under the supervision of physician-researchers, recruit participants and conduct clinical trials.
Is participating in clinical trials voluntary?
You cannot be enrolled in a clinical trial without consenting voluntarily. After having received all the information, you’re the one who decides in
all freedom if you want to participate.
Can I participate if I live far from a large city?
Although a large proportion of clinical trials are conducted in Montreal and Quebec City, several trials are conducted outside of these major centers. Clinical trials in oncology are taking place in Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Laval, Longueuil, Saint-Jérôme, Trois-Rivières, Lévis, Chicoutimi and Rimouski.
What do I need to understand before I agree to participate?
Since you will be making the decision, consider the pros and cons. You will receive a document that explains the clinical trial in detail: the “Information and Consent Form”. Read it carefully. Make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of the trial and what is expected of you as a participant, such as:
-the reason for testing the experimental intervention
-the duration of the trial and its various stages
-the number and frequency of hospital visits
-the types of examinations or tests and their frequency
-the experimental treatment you may receive, its risks and possible benefits
-whether you will be required to keep a diary at home
-whether a placebo (inactive substance) will be used
The research staff is there to help you understand all this information. Ask as many questions as you want. If – and only if – you are comfortable with everything, you can sign up to participate in the clinical trial.
If I accept to participate in a clinical trial is there a possibility that I would be taking only a placebo?
The minimum treatment that you will ever receive is the current standard treatment approved for your condition. If there are no standard treatment for your condition, you may receive only a placebo. You will be informed by your study doctor if receiving a placebo is a possibility in the context of a clinical trial.
Will I need to pay for my participation?
You may need to go to the hospital more often, so you may have extra expenses, such as transportation and parking expenses. Some clinical trials reimburse these costs. Before the start of the trial, ask your research team if these costs are covered.
If I sign the consent form, can I drop out of the study?
Yes. You can always drop out of a clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without jeopardizing the quality of medical care you will be receiving.
How do I know if I can participate in a clinical trial?
To participate in a clinical trial, you must meet precise criteria that are specified in the study protocol, such as:
– type of cancer
– cancer stage
-whether it’s a first occurrence or a relapse
-Past treatments
– general health status, apart from cancer
The investigator and his or her team are responsible for assessing whether you meet these criteria.
How do I find a clinical trial?
You’re interested in participating in a clinical trial? Talk to your healthcare team. They will be able to help you identify trials that are appropriate for you. You can also consult sites that list ongoing clinical trials:
In Quebec: www.oncoquebec.com
International: www.clinicaltrials.gov
