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Finding a clinical trial can be complex. Here, we share guidance on where to search.

Finding a trial

Your doctor may raise the possibility of taking part in a clinical trial if they know about one that might be suitable for you. However, if they don’t mention it, it doesn’t mean that you can’t join a trial or that there isn’t one available.

Finding a trial yourself

Lots of people tell us that they had to ask about trials, or search online and find something themselves.

Finding a trial yourself can be difficult, and sometimes the information available to the public is hard to understand. Our Clinical Trial Nurses can help you search for a trial and see if any of the results could be an option for you.

If you see a clinical trial on a database that you’re interested in joining or hearing more about, you’ll need to discuss it with your doctor or cancer specialist. Usually, having a referral from your doctor is the only way you can enrol on a trial.

If you do wish to look at online trial databases, we recommend:

You should be able to find information in these databases about where trials are being carried out, whether a trial is open to recruiting new people, who can take part in a trial, and who to contact with any questions about a trial.

We also have more information about what a clinical trial is and what the benefits and risks are.

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Eligibility and recruitment

All trials have guidelines about who can and can’t take part. These guidelines are called eligibility criteria, and can include characteristics such as your diagnosis, treatment history and general health.

Eligibility criteria are used to make sure that the trial:

  • includes people who may benefit from the treatment
  • keeps everyone involved in the trial safe
  • doesn't result in anyone taking an avoidable health risk.

It’s important for your own safety and the success of the trial that you meet all the trial criteria. By only including people who meet the criteria, the trial also avoids getting results that could confuse or invalidate its overall findings.

Most eligibility criteria will be explained to you before you enrol on a clinical trial. However, it may not be possible to know for sure if you are a suitable candidate at this stage. Many trials include pre-trial tests or screenings to confirm your eligibility, which can only be carried out once you’ve agreed to enter the trial.

It’s normal to feel upset and disappointed if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria of a trial, especially if you enrol and go through any pre-trial tests. However, if this happens, your doctor or the trial research team will tell you about any alternative options available to you. They may even be able to recommend a different trial.

How other medical conditions affect your eligibility

You won’t automatically be ruled out of joining a clinical trial if you have another medical condition. Each trial has its own eligibility criteria, and this is important to keep you safe and ensure you’re fit and healthy enough to cope with the treatment offered.

The only way to know if you’ll be eligible for a trial is to ask. Speak to your doctor, or contact our Clinical Trials Navigation Service.

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Clinical trials navigation service

If you're ready to talk about trials, a specialist clinical trials nurse can help. They can explain information you've received, and answer questions, or search for relevant UK trials, providing a plain-language summary to discuss with your doctor.

Book a call