What are the Pro's and Con's of Taking Part in a Clinical Trial?

You should always evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of taking part. After carefully weighing these, you will make the decision that is right for you.

Pro's:

	The treatment may be more effective than the standard treatment or may offer treatment options where no standard treatment exists
	Patients in clinical trials are among the first to benefit from a new treatment or drug
	Patients in clinical trials are closely monitored
	Results from the clinical trial may benefit other cancer patients in the future

Con's:

	The side effects of the treatment may be unknown or unexpected
	You might not be able to choose which treatment you receive
	The costs of the treatment may not be covered by insurance (this may also be true for noninvestigational cancer treatments)
	The treatment might turn out to be no more effective than the standard treatment