For Patients and Consumers

If you would like to learn what research studies are being conducted at PAMF, please search our database.

If you would like to know about cancer research studies specific to your particular diagnosis and a site close to your home where you can enroll in this study, you may search for one close to you by accessing the U.S. Government Clinical Trials web site.

Before participating in any clinical research study, we encourage you to learn about the role of the research study subject. Links to other Web sites provided on this page can help guide you in this endeavor.

The Office of Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has prepared "FAQs About Clinical Studies" and an introductory pamphlet about "Becoming a Research Volunteer." These brochures suggest some points to consider and a reminder that while research is vital to improving the health of future generations, not everyone is well suited for participation in research. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The information provided here is intended to assist you in making this decision. If you have already been invited to participate in a clinical research study, the study coordinator or the principal investigator should be able to answer all of your questions to your satisfaction before you commit to participate in the study.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has additional resources that may assist you in making your decision. Some of these resources can be access here (files in pdf form):

The first resource is entitled "Partners in Research." The NIH prepared this information to help you understand what is involved in participating in clinical research.

Many of our studies involve donating samples of blood or tissue for research purposes. Discussion of the use of tissues in research is contained in "Providing Your Tissue for Research: What You Need to Know."

Finally, Medicare will pay for some routine costs that are part of a cancer clinical trial but some costs may not be covered. If you have cancer, you may have more choices for your cancer treatment by participating in a clinical research study. These topics are discussed in "If You Have Cancer and Have Medicare …You Should Know About Clinical Trials."

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