Following is a list of questions you should ask before participating in a clinical trial:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• What does the study involve? What kinds of tests and treatments? ( Find out what is done and how it is done.)
• What is likely to happen in my case with, or without, this new research treatment? (What may my illness do and what may this treatment do?)
• What are other choices and their advantages and disadvantages? (Are there standard treatments for my case and how does the study compare with them?)
• How could the study affect my daily life?
• What side effects could I expect from the study? (There can also be side effects from standard treatments and from the illness itself.)
• How long will the study last? (will it require an extra time commintment on my part?)
• Will I have any costs? Will any of the treatments be free?
• If I am harmed as a result of the research, what treatment would I be entitled to?
• What type of long-term follow up care is part of the study?
• Cost are a major concern of patients and families. Different arrangements and policies exist with different clinical trials, and of course, insurance coverage