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Participation in Clinical Trials I Glossary I General Information on Clinical Trials

An Introduction to Clinical Trials
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. The following frequently asked questions provide introductory information about clinical trials. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to a physician, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. After identifying some trial options, the next step is to contact the study research staff and ask questions about specific trials.
»  What is a clinical trial?
»  Why participate in a clinical trial?
»  Where do the ideas for trials come from?
»  Who sponsors clinical trials?
»  What is a protocol?
»  What is a placebo?
»  What is a control or control group?
»  What are the different types of clinical trials?
»  What are the phases of clinical trials?

What is a placebo?

A placebo is an inactive pill, liquid, or powder that has no treatment value. In clinical trials, experimental treatments are often compared with placebos to assess the treatment's effectiveness. In some studies, the participants in the control group will receive a placebo instead of an active drug or treatment.