How to find a clinical trial

If you are a Royal Marsden patient, your doctor will discuss with you any clinical trials that you may be able to take part in.

If you are a patient at another hospital, ask your doctor if there are any local or national trials that may be suitable. If you are interested in one of the trials listed here, you should discuss your suitability with your consultant. If you are suitable, your consultant will refer you to the Royal Marsden.

Patient suitability and consent

It is important to remember clinical trials are not suitable for all patients. Whether you are accepted will depend on your age, medical history, the stage of your cancer, your general health and the results of your blood tests. As part of the trial you may be required to attend hospital regularly. This may mean coming to the Royal Marsden on a weekly basis for blood tests. Ask how often you will need to come to hospital and decide whether you can cope with this amount of travelling. 

Before you take part in a clinical trial you will be required to give your consent. If you agree to take part in a research project or clinical trial, you will be given written information about the trial and asked to sign a consent form. You should not sign the form until you are happy that all your questions have been answered and you fully understand what will happen to you as part of the trial. It is important to remember that once you have made a decision about treatment, you can change your mind at any time, even after you have signed a consent form. If you decide not to take part in the trial, you will still be given the best appropriate treatment and care.