Finding a clinical trial
If you see a trial that you are interested in, you need to discuss it with your doctor or cancer specialist.
If you want to join a clinical trial, you usually have to be referred by your doctor. Your doctor will have all your test results, records and reports so they’ll know whether a trial is right for you.
There may be a trial locally that would suit you. Your cancer specialist will also know about any large national or international trials for your type of cancer and will be able to tell you if they’re suitable for you.
Can anyone join a trial?
All trials have guidelines about who can and can’t take part.
These guidelines are called eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria are used to make sure that the trial:
- includes people who may benefit from the treatment, and
- makes sure that people are not taking an avoidable health risk.
Some entry criteria will be communicated to you before you enter a clinical trial. Others will not, and may include pre-trial tests, which can only be carried out once you’ve agreed to enter the trial.
Talk to us
Our Clinical Trials Nurse Advisor is here to support you and help you navigate through the entire clinical trial process.
Contact our Clinical Trials Support Service
Get personalised support to understand which clinical trials are available - whether you're a patient, carer or healthcare professional.
The following companies have provided funding for our Clinical Trials Support Service, but have had no further input: Celgene (a Bristol Myers Squibb Company), Novartis and Takeda.