Breast Cancer Recurrence

Clinical Trials

• A clinical trial is a controlled test to learn about cutting edge treatments.
• When looking for a clinical trial that works for you, search through the available databases. There is no one source which lists every clinical trial in the United States. To learn how to find a clinical trial, see: How To Locate A Clinical Trial 
• Before starting your search, pull together the information needed to determine eligibility.  
• You do not need a doctor's referral to enter most trials.
• Before entering a clinical trial, be an informed consumer. 
  • Learn the questions to ask. For instance:  The drugs in a clinical trial are free for participants but you may have to pay some costs such as for check ups. Learn how much participating in a trial will cost you. Costs you have to pay may be covered by health insurance.  
  • Ask your doctor for his or her opinion before joining a trial.
  • For information about clinical trial cost considerations, click here.

If no treatments or clinical trials are available for your situation in the U.S.

It is worthwhile to at least explore what may be available outside the United States.

Be sure to study any out-of-the mainstream treatment carefully before pursuing it - particularly if it means not taking a mainstream treatment that could be helpful.

Keep in mind the difference between drugs and treatments which have been scientifically studied or are being scientifically studied, and treatments which have not been subjected to scientific scrutiny.

Watch for phony treatments that have no scientific credibility. For example, if you are asked to pay to be in the trial, there is something likely fishy with the trial. To learn more, click here.

Out of the mainstream treatments are not covered by health insurance.

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