Clinical Trials


What is a clinical trial?

Scientists all over the world conduct research studies known as clinical trials. At the IU Simon Cancer Center, more than one hundred scientists and doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and technologists are working to advance cancer care through clinical trials.

Standard therapy does not help all cancer patients. That is why researchers at the IU Simon Cancer Center continue their search for new treatments and, hopefully, new cures.


Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are an important treatment option for people with cancer to consider. A cancer clinical trial is a research study in which people help doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, find ways to improve cancer care. These cancer research studies try to answer scientific questions and find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. They also try to find ways to the improve quality of life of cancer survivors.

It is important that men and women of all ages and backgrounds take part in clinical trials. Each trial has eligibility criteria (or rules) about who can and cannot be in the study. Talk to your doctor to see if you may be an option for you.


Should I participate in a clinical trial?

Only you can make the final decision about whether or not to take part in a clinical trial. Before you make your decision, you should:


  1. Learn as much as you can about your disease. See the National Cancer Institute’s A to Z List of Cancers for cancer information or the Types of Cancer section of this website for more cancer-specific resources. 
  2. Find out about trials that are available to you. You can view the current clinical trials at the IU Simon Cancer Center or a comprehensive list of trials throughout the United States at the NCI's Search for Clinical Trials.
  3. Ask your doctor about the benefits, risks, and steps taken to protect people who take part in clinical trials. All trials have both benefits and risks to the patient.
  4. Talk about this information and how you feel about it with your doctor and/or nurse, family members, and friends. They can help you decide what is right for you.

Where can I get more information?