It's an exciting time in biomedical research.
The news is filled with stories of breakthrough discoveries that have the potential to change
and save lives.
But getting these discoveries from the research lab to the bedside is a long and complex process,
and it depends on clinical trials.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the effects of an experimental test
or treatment.
Multiple phases of clinical trials are often necessary to find out whether a new treatment
is safe and effective, and whether it should be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration--the
FDA--for use by patients.
Clinical trials are vitally important for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing
diseases and illnesses.
But these trials can't happen without the participation of volunteers.
At any given time, there can be thousands of clinical trials going on across the country
that could lead to life-changing and life-saving treatments.
But 37% of clinical trials don't enroll enough patients to move forward, and 11% fail to
enroll even one patient.
This means that these innovative discoveries may never make it to the patients that need
them.
The bottom line is that clinical trials need people like you.
Volunteering may contribute to research that helps society at large by bringing new treatments
one step closer to reaching patients, and potentially leading to future discoveries
and breakthroughs.
And if you have a disease or illness that's genetic, your contribution may end up helping
a loved one.
Volunteering to participate in a clinical trial may also give you access to an experimental,
cutting-edge treatment option, and a medical research team that carefully monitors your
disease and overall health.
Clinical trials need participants from every background because some diseases are more
prevalent in certain groups of people.
Researchers work hard to make sure that the people in each clinical trial represent the
patients who will end up using the treatment being tested.
So a diverse group of clinical trial volunteers is very important.
Whatever your race, age, gender, or background--clinical trials need you.
What happens if you do decide to participate?
Clinical trial sites are located all over the country--from doctor's office to large
academic medical centers.
Ask your doctor about clinical trials in your area, or search for opportunities at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
Before you start, you'll get information abut the trial, the experimental treatment being
tested, and the potential risks and benefits of being in the trial.
Ask your healthcare professional any questions you may have before making a decision.
It's their job to give you the information you need.
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign a document showing that you
fully understand the potential risks and benefits of participating in the clinical trial.
Remember that the decision is yours and only yours, and you can change your mind at any
time.
Many clinical trial sites offer support like counseling and translation services, so ask
in advance for anything you might need.
Many larger studies are randomized trials.
In these types of trials patients will either receive the experimental treatment, or be
assigned to the control group where--depending the trial--they receive the standard of care
or a placebo--a treatment that doesn't have any active ingredients.
These trials are usually double-blinded, meaning you won't know which treatment you get, and
neither will your doctor.
This helps to ensure that the results are impartial and reliable.
Participants are monitored closely throughout, and the costs of participating, plus the extra
care that comes with it, are typically covered by the study, or your medical insurance.
You may even be compensated for travel and lost wages.
Be sure to find out what is covered in advance.
While you see different healthcare professionals while participating in the clinical trial,
you can continue to see your primary care professional for your regular care.
The results of the trial will be reported to the medical community, but your name will
never be used, and your participation is always anonymous.
To learn more about clinical trials visit www.agingresearch.org/ClinicalTrials.
Clinical trials bring us better treatments, breakthrough cures, and new hope to all the
people in our lives and for generations to come.
But clinical trials need participants.
They need YOU.