Other clinical trials do not involve drugs or treatments. They may look at the care you receive and could also involve:

  • interviews
  • questionnaires
  • researchers studying how your care team communicates with you
  • taking a blood or tissue sample
  • participating as a healthy volunteer

All research studies are reviewed and approved by professional bodies before they begin. This includes a review by an independent Research Ethics Committee. Read more about how research is approved. 
 

Why take part in a clinical trial?

Clinical trials help doctors understand how to treat a particular illness. It may benefit you, or others like you, in the future. If you take part in a clinical trial, you may be one of the first people to benefit from a new treatment.
 

Do clinical trials have side effects?

If you’re trying a new type of treatment you may experience unknown side effects. We use this information to write the leaflets you find in boxes of medication, if the treatment goes on sale.
 

How do I take part in a clinical trial?

We’re always looking for volunteers to participate in our research studies. If you’re interested in becoming involved you can:

You may have agreed to be contacted about taking part in research studies when registered as a patient. If you agreed to this, members of our research teams may look at your medical records to see if you are eligible to take part in new research studies. You can ask for this to be stopped at any time by emailing research@ncic.nhs.uk

Befoe you take part in a study you’ll be given all the information about what it means for you. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and think about whether or not you want to take part. You will not be forced to take part in a study. You can ask to stop being part of a study at any time and your care will not be affected if you do.