How to join a clinical trial

The first step is finding a blood cancer clinical trial that may be suitable, whether that's on your own or with support from our clinical trials nurses.

You do not need to wait for a doctor to suggest a clinical trial. If you have heard about a study that interests you, you can ask your healthcare team whether it might be suitable for you.

If you're interested in taking part in a clinical trial, the next step is to talk to your healthcare team. This will usually be your hospital specialist, although it may be your GP if you are being managed in primary care.

They can discuss whether the trial might be suitable for you and answer any questions you have. Although the research team will have the most up-to-date information about the trial and who can take part (its eligibility criteria), your own healthcare team can help you understand:

• whether the trial may be appropriate for your situation
• how the trial compares with standard treatment options
• whether other clinical trials may be available.

To take part in a clinical trial, a healthcare professional usually needs to make a referral to the team running the study. A referral does not guarantee a place in a trial. The trial team will still need to review whether the study may be suitable for you.

Whether you can join the trial may depend on:

• whether the trial is still open to recruitment
• whether the trial team thinks the study may be a good match for you.

It’s normal to have questions about being referred to a trial. We answer some common questions below.

If the trial team thinks you may be suitable, they will contact you to arrange an initial appointment. At this appointment, you’ll learn more about the trial, what it hopes to achieve and what taking part would involve. The team will also answer any questions you or your loved ones may have. Before the appointment, you may find it helpful to read our information on understanding clinical trials and prepare a list of questions to ask the team .

Throughout the trial, you’ll be supported by a team of people who work together to look after you. The team you meet, and when, will depend on the trial.

Members of the team you might meet include:

When you first meet the trial team, you’ll usually be given written information to help you decide whether you want to take part.

This written information is called a Patient Information Sheet (sometimes called PIS for short).

It will explain:

• what the trial is studying
• what researchers already know about the treatment or intervention
• the possible benefits and risks
• what tests and hospital visits may be needed
• how long you may need to take part for
• who to contact if you have questions.

You will usually be given time to take this information home and read it before making a decision.

You may also want to discuss the information with family members, friends or your healthcare team.

Consent is when you give your permission to have any medical treatment, test or examination.

If you decide you would like to take part in a clinical trial, you'll be asked to give your informed consent and sign consent forms.

Before signing, you should have the opportunity to:

• ask questions
• understand the possible benefits and risks
• discuss the trial with family, friends or your healthcare team
• take time to think about your decision

These forms are important legal documents that protect both you and the organisation running the trial.

All trials have guidelines about who can and can’t take part. These guidelines are called "eligibility criteria".

The final step before starting treatment in a clinical trial is to have tests to confirm you meet the trial eligibility criteria.

A trial’s eligibility criteria are split into two sections:

• Inclusion criteria (requirements you must meet to take part)
• Exclusion criteria (factors that would prevent you from taking part)

Eligibility criteria can include:

• your diagnosis
• treatment you have received (if any)
• your age
• your general health
• other medical conditions you may have

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 expose anyone to avoidable health risk

Tests to make sure you meet the trial eligibility criteria are known as "screening".

Screening is important because it helps make sure you can take part safely.

Researchers also need to ensure that everyone enrolled in the study meets the correct criteria so that the results are reliable. Trial results are an important part of how new blood cancer treatments are approved for use on the NHS.

Most eligibility criteria will be explained to you before you enrol on a clinical trial. However, it may not always be possible to know for certain whether you are suitable until all screening tests have been completed.

It’s normal to feel upset and disappointed if you don’t meet the trial eligibility criteria, especially after attending appointments or undergoing tests.

If this happens, your doctor or the trial team will discuss any alternative options available to you. They may even be able to recommend a different trial.

If you pass the screening tests and assessments, the trial team will contact you to confirm you have been enrolled in the trial.

They will explain the next steps, including:

• your treatment schedule
• clinic visits and tests
• who to contact with questions
• what support is available during the trial.

How long the process takes varies between studies. Some people move from referral to enrolment quite quickly, while others may need additional assessments before a decision can be made.

Read our pages about taking part in a trial, from what to expect day-to-day, to stories from people who have gone through it.