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Pros and Cons

You should always evaluate the pros and cons of taking part in a clinical trial and then make the decision that's right for you:

Pros

• The treatment offered may be more effective than the standard available treatment.
• Patients are closely monitored and receive quality care from doctors and health care professionals who specialize in cancer.
• Participants in clinical trials may be the first ones to benefit from a new treatment.
• Results from the clinical trial may help others in the future by leading to better cancer treatments.
• It is possible for patients who join a clinical trial to continue seeing their primary care physician, even though the trial may not be coordinated by their physician.

Cons

• The treatment offered may turn out to be less effective than the standard available treatment.
• The risks or side effects of the treatment may be unknown or unexpected.
• Patients may not be able to choose the treatment they receive.
• Patients may need to travel to another location where the trial is being conducted.
• The costs of care and the treatment itself may not be covered by health insurance or managed care plans.

This page can be found at: http://www.lungcancer.org/reading/pros_and_cons.php

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