What to Know Before Participating in a Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are research studies involving volunteers that help doctors and researchers learn whether new treatments, vaccines, devices, or care approaches are safe and effective. People may choose to participate to access promising options, receive close monitoring from a research team, or contribute to medical knowledge that may help future patients.
Participation is always voluntary. Before joining, participants go through an informed consent process where the study team explains the purpose of the trial, what will happen during the study, possible benefits and risks, time commitments, privacy protections, and whether costs or compensation apply. Participants can ask questions and may leave a study at any time.
- Talk with your health care provider about whether a trial fits your condition, goals, and current treatment plan.
- Ask what visits, tests, medications, procedures, and follow-up will be required.
- Discuss possible side effects, alternatives, and whether a placebo may be used.
- Review how your personal health information will be protected.
- Use trusted resources, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, to learn about studies that may be recruiting participants.
Choosing to join a clinical trial is a personal decision. Understanding the study details, weighing the potential benefits and risks, and discussing options with trusted health professionals can help participants make an informed choice.
Finding scleroderma-related clinical trials has never been easier!
The National Scleroderma Foundation has partnered with Carebox to provide patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with an easy way to search and match to scleroderma clinical trials. The free, confidential and easy-to-use service allows patients and family members to search for studies that may be a good fit for them.
A profile can be created by answering a few questions. Carebox does not share any information with the trial sites or investigators but provides information directly to the person completing the profile. Then, it is up to the profile creator to take the next step and reach out to the trial site for more information.
Patients are under no obligation to participate in clinical trials they are matched with. Matching does not guarantee enrollment. Patients can discontinue Carebox services at any time.