Cancer Knowledge Center
Clinical Trials
How research studies work, what the phases mean and how eligibility and consent are handled.
About this topic
Clinical trials are how new cancer treatments are tested and how many patients gain early access to therapies that are not yet routinely available. They are structured research studies with strict safety oversight, not experiments of last resort.
This hub covers what trials are, what the phases mean, how eligibility criteria work, what informed consent involves, and what to consider when a promising study is located in another country.
Featured articles
What Are Clinical Trials?
Learn what cancer clinical trials are, why they exist, and how they help develop new and better treatments for patients.
4 min readStart hereTrial Phases Explained
Understand the four phases of cancer clinical trials, what each phase tests, and what it means for participants at each stage.
4 min readStart hereEligibility Criteria
Learn how eligibility criteria for cancer clinical trials work, why they exist, and how they determine who can participate.
4 min readLatest articles
All articles in this topic
What Are Clinical Trials?
Trial Phases Explained
Eligibility Criteria
Risks and Benefits
Informed Consent
Coming SoonInternational Trials
Coming SoonFrequently asked questions
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
In cancer trials, placebo alone is rare. Control groups almost always receive the current standard of care, sometimes with a placebo added to it.
Who pays for trial participation?
The sponsor usually covers the investigational drug and study-specific tests. Travel, accommodation and routine care may not be covered — confirm before enrolling.
Can I leave a trial after joining?
Yes. Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time without losing access to standard treatment.
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Educational information only. GetOnco is software, not a medical provider, and does not diagnose disease or recommend treatments. Always discuss your situation with qualified healthcare professionals.