National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
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How to Find a Cancer Treatment Trial: A 10-Step Guide
    Posted: 03/21/2005    Updated: 05/08/2009
Related Pages
Search for Clinical Trials 1
NCI's PDQ® Cancer Clinical Trials Registry.

Educational Materials About Clinical Trials 2
What clinical trials are, how they work, and other educational materials for patients and professionals.
Related Information
View/Print a PDF of this guide 3

Need help finding a trial?
  Call 1-800-4-CANCER
Before You Start: Step 3

Complete the Diagnosis Checklist

Before you begin looking for a clinical trial, you must know certain details about your cancer diagnosis. You will need to compare these details with the eligibility criteria of any trial in which you are interested. Eligibility criteria are the guidelines for who can and cannot participate in a particular study.

To help you gather the details of your diagnosis so you will know which trials you may be eligible to join, complete the Diagnosis Checklist 4. The form asks questions about your diagnosis and provides room to write down your answers. Keep this form with you during your search for a clinical trial.

To get the information you need for the form:

  • Ask a nurse or social worker at your doctor's office for help. Explain to them that you are interested in looking for a clinical trial that may benefit you and that you need these details before starting to look. They will be able to review your medical records and help you fill out the form.


Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search
2http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learning
3http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/finding/treatment-trial-guide-pdf
4http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/finding/treatment-trial-guide/page15