This page gives only an overview of this topic. For more information see the links at the bottom of this page

When new drugs and treatments are developed, they are tested in a series of  clinical trials to see if they are better than existing treatments. Patients in clinical trails may therefore have access to new treatments before they are generally available. Requirements to enter clinical trials are generally quite strict, however and so not every patient is eligible to participate in any one trial.

Participants in trials are usually allocated to receive a treatment or a placebo. This allocation can be randomised and patients may not know which group they are in. Participants are followed over time and may have extra tests or measurements.The operation of clinical trials is overseen by an Ethics committee.

Your urologist, radiation oncologist or oncologist is the best person to ask if you are eligible for any clinical trials.

More information about different types of clinical trials is available here

Questions to ask if you are considering a clinical trial are:

• Which treatments are being tested and why?
• What are the possible benefits to me or others?
• What extra tests, apart from my normal treatment, will be needed?
• What are the possible risks or side effects?
• How long will the trial last?
• Will I need to go into hospital for treatment?
• What will I do if any problems occur while I am in the trial?
• Can the trial affect my options for future treatment?
• Can I withdraw from the trial if I change my mind?

Australian prostate cancer trials can be found by searching the following websites:

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