Institut Claudius Regaud

Studies or clinical trials are used to assess new cancer treatments.

They evaluate:

• New drugs or drug combinations
• New ways of administering them (pills rather than injection for example)
• New treatment techniques (new types of surgical procedures or radiotherapy), or diagnostics (new biological tests).

Do clinical trials concern all patients?

Patients who are deemed 'eligible' to participate in clinical trials must meet requirements specific to each clinical trial known as "inclusion criteria."

Am I free to decide whether or not I want to participate in a clinical trial recommended by a doctor? Can I change my mind even after I have agreed to take part?

You are free to decide if you want to take part in a trial or not. Participation is strictly voluntary. Even after agreeing to participate, you still have the option to withdraw at any time and your referral doctor will recommend an alternative treatment for your disease. Under no circumstances will this decision change the commitment the medical team have for treating your disease.

For more information, visit the French National Cancer Institute's website.