Frequently Asked Questions About Early Phase Clinical Trials

Can my child receive the medication at our doctor's office?

If your child is taking part in a Phase I or Phase II study, the medication must be given at the office where the study doctor takes care of patients.

Can I withdraw my child from the trial at any time?

Yes, you may withdraw your child from the study at any time. Taking part in a clinical trial is always voluntary. The study doctor or sponsor of the study may also withdraw your child from the study at any time if they determine it is no longer safe for your child to take part in the study.

How long can my child take part in the trial?

Every trial is different and may have set up a different timeframe that a patient may take part in the study. Usually your child may take part in the trial as long as your child's cancer does not grow or spread.

How do I talk to my child about the trial?

This is a very personal decision. Discuss this with the study doctor, nurse or social worker to help guide you through the process.

How do I talk to my other children about the trial?

Again, this is a very personal decision. The study doctor, nurse and social worker are great resources to help guide you through the process.

Can my child take other chemotherapy while taking part in the trial?

More than likely this answer will be "no." The trial that your child is taking part in will state if this is possible.

Can my child take alternative medicines while taking part in a trial?

More than likely this answer will be "no." The trial that your child is taking part in will state if this is possible. The concern will be if the alternative medicine would interact or interfere with the trial medication.

Who pays for the cost of the trial?

Any test or procedure that is done to care for your child that would normally be done to practice safe care will be charged to your insurance company. If the trial is requesting any special tests or procedures, they are usually paid for by the trial sponsor.

Why does my child have to have an extra IV for the study if he/she already has a central line?

Some trials will ask for extra blood work to be drawn during the trial. The extra blood work usually cannot be obtained from the same IV or central line that the study medication is given, therefore sometimes your child will need an extra IV.

What can I expect once my child is taking part in the trial?

Your study doctor and nurse will discuss the events and procedures with you in detail before starting the study. More than likely, it will be like a regular clinic visit with a few extra tests at the start of the study.

What can I expect after the trial is complete?

When your child has completed taking part in the study, the study doctor will continue to follow your child's care for at least a month. This could be longer if your child has a serious illness that needs to be followed for an additional period of time.

Should my child take part in a clinical trial?

This is a very personal choice. Your study doctor will discuss with you all the details about the trial to assist you in making the decision

Learn more about the Experimental Therapeutics Program.