How Can I Find a Clinical Trial?

Today, there are numerous resources to help you find clinical trials. And with more clinical trials being conducted by independent, community-based physicians, there is a far greater chance that your own primary and specialty care physicians and nurses will be able to assist you in identifying clinical trials that you may be right for.  Your family and friends may be able to assist you in conducting a broad search, and then narrowing down your options to a few targeted opportunities. Remember that when you begin your search, your goal is to be as thorough and comprehensive as possible. Every piece of information that you collect and every individual you speak with may assist you in tracking down a clinical trial that could hold some potential for you.

Online

Online search engines are very beneficial in your search for a clinical trial.  You can typically find the most recently updated listing of clinical trials.  The following are a list of suggested search engines:

• www.SearchClinicalTrials.org
• www.ClinicalTrials.gov
• www.Cancer.gov/clinicaltrials
• www.CenterWatch.com
• www.Acurian.com
• www.ClinicalTrials.com
• www.AIDSinfo.nih.gov/clinicaltrials

There are also a wealth of disease specific websites that keep up to date lists of current clinical trials for a specific disease or condition.

If you would like assistance in receiving information about clinical trials that may be right for you, CenterWatch offers a free service where you will receive automatic email notifications when a clinical trial is posted. Click here to go to the CenterWatch website.

By phone

Sometimes the online search is too difficult or you aren't getting the results you had hoped.  CISCRP offers a free service, Search Clinical Trials, which is an easy way to find clinical trials in your area based on your geographic location, distance willing to travel and your medical condition.  Simply call 1-877-MED HERO to speak with our staff.  We will gather your information, conduct a search for you and email or mail you the results.  Searches can also be requested by filling out this form.

Research centers

Plan to contact local clinical research centers with expertise in your medical condition. Some of these centers may be advertising for trials that are currently recruiting volunteers. You can identify research centers in a variety of ways. Your physician or nurse, and even friends and family, may know of reputable centers. The phone book may also contain listings. Many research centers have their own web sites and they may be linked to academic health centers if they are an affiliate.

Health Professionals

Primary and specialty care physicians and nurses, in particular, may have access to some specialized (and expensive) medical journals and online databases where clinical trials, and study drugs, are routinely discussed topics. These professionals are also worth consulting after you've found some initial sources of information.