Can you tell me why trials are being done?

Clinical research involves research into the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients. In the area of asbestos-related diseases, the focus has been on trying to enhance the early detection of asbestos-related cancers and to experiment with medical interventions, which may assist in preventing or curing disease or prolonging life.

What are the possible advantages and risks of taking part?

The possible advantages and risks will be discussed with you and you will receive an information booklet outlining all aspects of the clinical trial. This is to keep all patients fully informed about the trial.

What are the treatment choices in the trial?

The treatment choices will be specific to each particular trial. Treatment choices will be discussed with you. If you do join a clinical trial, you have the right to withdraw at any time. This will not impact on your own treatment in any way.

Would I be allocated a treatment by computer or do you and I have any choice?

This will be outlined in trial information booklet. However, most trial treatments randomly assign patients to one or other treatment. If you choose to take part in a clinical trail, your trial treatment will be randomly selected by computer, so that neither you nor your doctor know which treatment you are being given (until the end of the trial).

How many patients are being studied?

This will depend upon the clinical trial. For example, 3000 people were studied as part of a Vitamin A trial, whereas a chemotherapy trial may involve between 20 to 30 people.

How long will the trial last?

This will be determined by the type of treatment being trialled, and the number of people taking part in the trial. This will be discussed with you as part of the trial information you will be provided to you.

What will I have to do if I take part? Will I have to have extra tests or scans?

You will be given an information package, which will detail all aspects of the clinical trial.  This will inform you about what you will be required to do if you take part in a trial. You will be able to discuss this with your doctor and the clinical trial medical team. As part of the trial, you may be required to have additional tests and scans so the results can be compiled and analysed for the trial.

Will I be told about the results if I take part?

Once all of the data collected from the trial is compiled and the results have been analysed you will be told about the trial results. As a patient, you will be informed about your progress during the trial period.