Which specialist performs clinical trials?

The investigator checks whether a study fits your diagnosis, previous treatment, test results and health needs. They explain the treatment, possible benefits, known and uncertain risks, alternatives and the visits or tests required before you decide. Participation is voluntary, and the study team should give you time to ask questions.

Research nurses coordinate appointments, collect information and help with symptom reporting. Pharmacists manage study medicines and instructions. Laboratory and imaging teams perform protocol tests, while a safety or ethics structure oversees how the trial is run. Your usual cancer team may remain involved, and the study team should explain how responsibilities are shared.

Ask your oncologist or a trial centre whether a suitable study is available. Bring pathology reports, scan information, treatment history, medicine lists and details of other health conditions. Read the consent information carefully and ask about visit frequency, travel, contraception, sample collection, treatment alternatives and what happens if you leave the study. Do not feel pressured to decide during one conversation.

Contact the trial team promptly about fever, breathing difficulty, severe pain, allergic symptoms, confusion, bleeding, persistent vomiting or any symptom listed in your study instructions. Use the emergency route for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or a rapidly worsening condition. Tell emergency clinicians that you are enrolled in a trial and show your study contact card if you have one.

Ask who the trial investigator is, what phase and purpose the study has, which alternatives are available and which visits or tests are required. Clarify how side effects are reported, who pays for study-related care when applicable, how privacy is handled and whether leaving the trial changes your usual treatment.