Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

Clinical trials enroll healthy volunteers as well as people with certain health problems, depending on study’s purpose. All children and adults can participate in a clinical trial if they meet certain requirements for a particular study. Each clinical trial uses inclusion/exclusion to determine if a participant is eligible to enroll in the study.

Why is it important to participate in a clinical trial?

Clinical trials give you access to new treatments! It is very important for people to think about participating in a clinical trial to understand their role in the study. These clinical trials are intended to test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and therapies on people. Because of this, participants must understand that they are acting as subjects in a clinical trial and not as patients.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the process by which a fully informed patient can participate in decisions about his/her health care. Informed consent also means that participants are provided with information on new developments throughout the trial.

Could I receive a placebo?

A placebo is a harmless, inactive substance made to look like the real medicine used in the clinical trial, sometimes called a ‘sugar pill’. Participants are not told what treatment they are being given. Using placebos in clinical trials helps researchers better understand whether a new medical treatment is more effective and safer than no treatment at all.

What are the potential risks of taking part in a clinical trial?

• The new treatment may be ineffective, or less effective, than current approaches.

• The new treatment may cause side effects or be uncomfortable.

• You may not be part of the treatment group, which means you may receive a placebo.

What are potential benefits?

• You could get a new treatment for a disease before it is available to everyone.

• You would play a more active role in your own health care.

• You may have the chance to help patients get better treatment in the future.

• You may receive more check-ups and medical attention as part of the trial.

How do I enroll myself or my child?

You can contact us at 562-905-6262. Parents or guardians must call to register anyone under 18 years of age.

What is an institutional review board, or IRB?

The IRB is the entity with the jurisdiction for reviewing and approving all research involving human subjects or derived from human subjects.

What are the Phases of a clinical trial?

Clinical trials generally have three phases:

Phase I: Tests the treatment in healthy volunteers, primarily to assess safety and tolerability

Phase II: Tests the drug on larger groups and tests for efficacy and safety

Phase III: Multiple large trials testing for efficacy and safety