Participate in a clinical trial

Having your child participate in a clinical trial means he or she will have access to treatments not available to the public.  This puts your child on the cutting edge of pediatric cancer research. In fact, the development of successful therapies used to treat children with cancer today came from knowledge learned through past clinical trials.

Your child may be asked to participate in a clinical trial for the treatment of their type of cancer or blood disorders. Criteria for participation are based on several factors, including:

• What type or stage of cancer
• Whether your child has received a certain therapy in the past
• What age group he or she is in

The results and information – side effects, blood work, and response to treatment – will be compared to that of other children in the same study. Enrollment in any clinical trial is voluntary and can be stopped anytime. Your information and results are kept confidential.

Taking part in a clinical trial does not prevent your child from getting any other medical care he or she may need.  Your child's physician will explain to you which, if any, other clinical trials are being conducted for your child's cancer.  Your doctor will also explain risks, benefits, side effects, tests, and any costs that may be associated with the study. 

For further information on participating in clinical trials, please visit these links:

• National Cancer Institute Brochure: Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies (PDF)
• National Cancer Institute: Clinical Trials & Programs