- What are the potential risks and side effects of this protocol/therapy?
- How many visits will be required?
- Can you describe any invasive and/or potentially uncomfortable treatments so I can decide if the trial will be too taxing for my child?
Then, if you really want to know the specifics, you can delve deeper with this set of questions:
- What tests, medicines and therapies will be part of the trial?
- Is this treatment approved for adults with similar conditions?
- Has this intervention been tested on other kids?
- How many clinic visits, blood draws and other procedures will be required throughout the course of the study?
- Will we receive reimbursements for participating in the trial?
- How does this protocol differ from my child’s current regimen?
- Will my child need to be hospitalized?
- Who will cover the costs if my child suffers from complications during the trial?
- How long will the trial last?
- Who will support my child and me during the trial?
- Will we have access to the results of the trial?
- Will the trial include follow-up care?
Learning as much as possible before enrolling your child in a trial offers the best odds of success.
“When you review the informed consent with the physician who is running the trial, it’s important to ask not only about the risks and benefits of participation but also the risks and benefits of not participating—and what alternatives are available to your child,” Dr. Ziring says.
Remember, too, that every trial, invasive or not, is completely voluntary. You or your child can decide to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time, and for any reason. Your child’s health—mental, emotional and physical—always comes first.
For more information on clinical trials, discover our Black Clinical Resource Center.
By Cedars-Sinai