Should I enter a trial?

Many hospitals are also research centres and you may be asked to join a trial.

If asked to join a trial, or if you are interested in a trial, take plenty of time to find out about it. Ask for independent advice.

Women should ask the percentage of women that are included in the study.
Remember, many combinations that have proven their effectiveness are already available to use.
Ask about the alternatives to the treatment proposed in the study. Ask what advantages the study offers over existing treatment.
There is no need to join a trial if you do not want to. However, well-planned studies can offer better monitoring and care than you would normally receive at your regular clinic. This may mean attending your clinic more frequently.
Your future care will not be affected if you choose not to take part in a trial.

Trials are very important for developing new treatments. They can improve our knowledge of how to use both new and existing drugs.

If you are recently diagnosed, or are only just finding out about treatment, you should not feel pressurised into taking part.

This is the web edition of the i-Base guide Introduction to combination therapy. This guide is available in UK clinics. You can order free printed copies or download a PDF version (513 Kb). Translations. Authors and credits. Glossary. Full section index.

Decisions relating to your treatment should always be taken in consultation with your doctor. Information in this guide is intended to support those discussions.