Clinical trials that are well-designed and well-executed are the best approach for eligible participants to:

• Play an active role in their own health care.
• Gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available.
• Help others by contributing to medical research.

There are also risks to clinical trials:

• There may be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening side effects to treatment.
• The treatment may not be effective for the participant.
• The protocol may require more of their time and attention than would a non-protocol treatment, including trips to the study site, more treatments, hospital stays or complex dosage requirements.