Finding a Clinical Trial
Most people who take part in clinical trials hear about them from their doctors. But you don’t have to wait for your doctor to bring up a clinical trial. People with cancer can also look for clinical trials online or in other places to find more options for treatment.
Where are clinical trials done?
Clinical trials can occur in many settings. This may include staying close to home during a study or with your own doctors. Your doctor may or may not be involved in clinical trials. Ask your doctor if they might know of one that is a good fit for you.
Some phase I and phase II studies are only done at major medical centers. But this isn’t always a bad thing. Some people prefer to be treated at major cancer centers because of their experience, reputation, and resources. The hassles of traveling must be weighed against the chance of being helped by the treatment. No matter where a clinical trial is done, the same rules are there to protect patients.
Where can I get information about current clinical trials?
There are groups that provide ways to search for clinical trials on their websites. Many of these groups also have people who can help you with your search.
ACS ACTS: Access to Clinical Trials and Support
We understand the challenges of finding the right clinical trial and navigating your treatment options. ACS ACTS is here to empower you every step of the way, from clinical trials matching to connecting you with community resources.
With ACS ACTS, you will:
- Learn about clinical trials.
- Explore tailored clinical trial options.
- Connect with an American Cancer Society cancer information specialist.
- Access other ACS programs such as lodging, transportation, and more.
If you are a person with cancer or supporting someone with cancer as a caregiver or health care team member, learn more at acts.cancer.org.
Please note that our clinical trials matching service is currently available within the United States for persons who reside in or will travel to the following locations: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Clinical trial listings, by cancer type
Many cancer organizations offer help in finding clinical trials that might be a good fit for you. Because many of these groups focus on a specific type of cancer, they can help you find trials for your type of cancer. A list of some advocacy groups that focus on specific types of cancer can be found on the National Comprehensive Cancer Centers website. If you don’t see your type of cancer on this list, you can search the internet for more options.
Private companies
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies also sponsor clinical trials. They may list the studies they’re sponsoring on their websites or offer toll-free numbers so you can call and ask.
Other groups
Finally, there are doctors, medical centers, foundations, volunteer groups, and other nonprofit groups that sponsor clinical trials.
Some also offer matching systems for the studies they sponsor. This can be helpful if you’re interested in a specific experimental treatment and know which company is developing it.
Note: If you find a clinical trial site on the internet, you should first check to see if there is a fee, how they keep your personal information safe, how they choose the clinical trials to list, and if they receive money to rank or list trials.
Understanding clinical trial search results
Sites that search for clinical trials help you focus your search using your type and stage of cancer, the kind of treatment you’re looking for (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.), and where you live.
Search results often include:
- A summary of the rules for the clinical trial (clinical trial protocol)
- This information may be tough to understand. The most important information for patients is any details known on the new treatment.
- Factors that people must meet to go into the trial (eligibility criteria)
- A contact person who you can reach out to with any questions
I think I’m eligible. Now what?
Once you’ve found a clinical trial that you think you are eligible for, deciding if it’s the right one for you can be hard. For more information see Things to Consider Before Taking Part in a Clinical Trial.
- Written by
- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Finding a clinical trial. Accessed at cancer.net. Content is no longer available.
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer clinical trial information for patients and caregivers. Cancer.gov. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials on April 23, 2025.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH clinical research trials and you. Nih.gov. 2025. Accessed at https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you on April 22, 2025.
Last Revised: June 3, 2025
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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