Ten myths about clinical trials

1. Clinical trials are only for people who are very sick.

• Misconception: Many people think that clinical trials are only for individuals with advanced or serious diseases.


• Reality: Clinical trials often include participants at different stages of a disease, and some studies may be focused on prevention, early intervention, or improving quality of life rather than treating advanced conditions.

2. Clinical trials are unsafe and unregulated.

• Misconception:Some believe that clinical trials are risky or poorly controlled experiments.


• Reality: Clinical trials are highly regulated and designed to ensure participant safety. Clinical trials must comply with strict ethical guidelines and regulations set by authorities like the FDA and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to protect participants.

3. You won’t be informed about potential side effects or risks.

• Misconception: People sometimes think they won’t be told about risks and side effects during a trial.


• Reality: Before participating, individuals are given informed consent, which outlines potential risks, side effects, and the trial's purpose. Participants are encouraged to ask questions to ensure they fully understand the trial.

4. You will definitely receive the experimental drug or treatment.

• Misconception: Some people assume they will always receive the new drug or treatment being tested.


• Reality: In many clinical trials, participants are randomly assigned to receive either the experimental treatment or a placebo (or standard treatment) to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness. Participants may not always receive the experimental treatment.

5. Clinical trials are only for patients who are not responding to existing treatments.

• Misconception: There's a belief that clinical trials are only relevant for people who have exhausted other treatment options.


• Reality: Clinical trials are open to individuals in various stages of illness, including those who have not yet received treatment or who are seeking better alternatives to existing treatments.

6. Participation in a clinical trial means giving up your current doctor or treatment.

• Misconception: Some individuals think they will have to abandon their current doctor or treatment plan if they join a clinical trial.


• Reality: In most cases, participants continue to see their primary healthcare provider alongside their participation in the trial. Clinical trials are designed to work in conjunction with standard care when appropriate.

7. Clinical trials are only for people with specific characteristics (age, race, gender, etc.).

• Misconception: People often believe that trials are exclusive and only open to certain groups.


• Reality: While clinical trials do sometimes have eligibility criteria (like age or health status), they are designed to reflect the diversity of the population and to answer questions that affect many people. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are based on scientific reasons, not discrimination.

8. You can’t quit a clinical trial once you’ve started.

• Misconception: Some may feel trapped once they’ve agreed to participate in a trial.


• Reality: Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary. Participants can withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of future medical care.

9. Clinical trials only involve medications.

• Misconception: People often think clinical trials are only testing new drugs.


• Reality: Clinical trials can test a variety of interventions, including new devices, procedures, lifestyle changes, or even behavioral therapies.

10. Clinical trials are not available for rare diseases.

• Misconception: Some assume clinical trials are only for common diseases and that those with rare conditions have no options.


• Reality: Many clinical trials focus on rare diseases or conditions, and research in these areas is crucial for developing new treatments. People with rare conditions may have access to trials that provide new treatment options.