Common questions about clinical trial participation.
How do I find clinical trials near me? ▾
Enter your condition (e.g., "diabetes," "breast cancer," "COPD") and ZIP code in the search box at the top. We search ClinicalTrials.gov for actively recruiting trials near your location and return results sorted by proximity.
Are clinical trials safe? ▾
Clinical trials in the US are heavily regulated. All trials must be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The FDA monitors trial safety. That said, all medical interventions carry risk — talk to your own doctor before enrolling in any trial.
Do I have to pay to participate? ▾
Typically, no. Most clinical trials cover the cost of the experimental treatment. Many also compensate participants for time and travel. However, you may still have costs for standard medical care. Ask the research team for a complete cost breakdown before enrolling.
What does Phase 1, 2, 3, or 4 mean? ▾
Phase 1: First human tests, 20–80 people, primarily testing safety and dosing. Phase 2: Testing effectiveness and side effects, 100–300 people. Phase 3: Large-scale comparison to existing treatments, 1,000–3,000 people. Phase 4: Post-approval monitoring of long-term effects in thousands of patients.
Can I withdraw from a clinical trial? ▾
Yes — you can leave a clinical trial at any time for any reason, without penalty. Federal law protects your right to withdraw. You'll continue to receive standard care after leaving. Inform the research team so they can safely wind down your participation.
Will I receive a placebo instead of real treatment? ▾
Some trials use placebos, but it's never ethical to deny proven treatments. In most serious disease trials, placebos are given in addition to standard care. The trial description and your consent form will clearly state whether placebos are used. Ask the research team directly.
Why is an NCT number shown on each trial? ▾
NCT stands for National Clinical Trial number — the unique identifier assigned by ClinicalTrials.gov. You can search any NCT number directly at clinicaltrials.gov to see the full protocol, results, and contact information for the research team.