A clinical trial may be an important option for your prostate cancer treatment. Use this list of questions to ask your doctor or a clinical trial coordinator, so you have the information you need.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR: Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a study designed to test the safety and effectiveness of ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Most clinical trials have eligibility criteria. These often include age, stage of disease, prior treatments, and other medical conditions. All treatments used today for prostate cancer are available because of past clinical trials and thanks to past clinical trial participants. You may consider a clinical trial for several reasons: • Try new treatments or techniques that aren’t yet available to everyone • Have frequent monitoring of your prostate cancer • Benefit from expert medical care
• Help others by contributing to the development of future treatments QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR OR THE TRIAL COORDINATOR How do I find clinical trials that I can participate in? Is there a clinical trial that you can suggest for me? If so, why? What are the potential benefits and risks of this trial? Will taking part in the trial impact my ability to take any treatments in the future? How long will I be in the trial? Will continued monitoring be needed after the trial ends? How much time and travel will the study require? What were the results of earlier trial phases? What are the potential side effects of the experimental treatment? How long will they last?
Consider using a notebook at your appointments and taking someone with you if you can.
Many people seek second opinions to explore all options. Seeking a second opinion is common and doing so can make you feel more confident in the treatment decision that you make. CONSIDER A SECOND OPINION?
How can these side effects be managed? What side effects should I report to you?
What costs are covered by the trial? What costs will my insurance cover? For costs that I might have to pay to participate in the trial, is there financial assistance available? What happens if I begin the trial, and then decide I no longer want to participate? What happens when the trial ends? If the treatment is working for me, will I be able to continue the treatment after the study ends? To find a clinical trial that might be right for you, visit zerocancer.org/find-a-clinical-trial/ . LEARN MORE We encourage you to use this information in conversations with your healthcare team about prostate cancer and related topics. For more information about prostate cancer and ZERO Prostate Cancer, visit our website zerocancer.org/learn . ZERO Prostate Cancer provides this information as a service. It is not intended to take the place of medical professionals or the recommendations of your healthcare team. We strongly suggest consulting your healthcare team if you have questions about your specific care.
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A PATIENT EDUCATION SERIES
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