FAQs

Before a new medical intervention can be approved for use, it must be shown to be safe and effective. Clinical trials are a critical part of this process.  

Clinical trials study interventions such as new drugs, vaccines, medical devices and medical procedures   

Participants who match study requirements – such as gender, age, condition, or treatment history – can join a clinical trial. A member of the study team will screen all volunteers to confirm they meet the requirements of the specific trial.  

Yes, but participants who are interested can self-refer via the Hope Hub.  

Our START team will connect with you to discuss eligibility after a referral is made. 

Joining a clinical trial can give you access to a new intervention before it is publicly available. Participation can also play a vital part in helping others who have a similar diagnosis – both now and in the future.  

Yes, there are some risks in participation. The experimental intervention might be less effective than, standard interventions currently in place. The intervention may also lead to potential side effects. However, precautions are built into the study design to ensure it is as safe as possible. Each trial is overseen by a regulatory review process that analyzes  trial data and will end the trial  if it is unsafe or far less effective than the standard of care or placebo. You may always elect to leave the trial at any time if you wish.  

All trials have different timelines due to various factors, such as the trial phase, study design, treatment duration, or type of cancer  being studied. During the consent process before enrolling, the research team will explain the specifics about the trial. 

START offers several sites globally. Click here for more specific site location information.  

Each clinical trial has a specific “protocol” or list of instructions, that describes how we  will study the intervention. The protocol dictates the frequency with which patients will need to come to the clinic for visits and other labs or imaging that may be required.

START does not currently participate in pediatric clinical trials.  

Due to the many differences in insurance plans across the country, coverage in clinical trials can vary. You will learn more about your options during pre-trial screening. Many components of the study protocol are covered by the trial sponsor because they are not considered standard of care treatments.