Frequently Asked Questions
What are clinical trials?
Why should I participate in clinical trials?
How does the process of enrollment work?
Does completing the form mean I've signed up for a clinical trial?
Do I have to give out personal information?
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials research involves the active participation of individuals to test the safety and efficacy of new treatments. The majority of clinical trials are sponsored by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, governmental agencies and medical device companies.
Historically, clinical trials have been conducted at medical schools. If your doctor was not affiliated with or aware of the trials underway at a nearby medical school, you like most patients, typically would not have considered investigational interventions as part of your treatment plan. Fortunately, access to clinical trials is improving. Last year, approximately 6 million people worldwide participated in clinical trials, but many more patients could have been helped if clinical trials were more widely available.
Why should I participate in clinical trials?
Every patient should be aware and have access to all treatment options, including experimental ones. In some cases, clinical trials may offer access to treatments that can dramatically improve and extend the lives of people suffering from various disorders, including chronic illnesses. However, along with the hope of promising new treatments, there are a number of potential risks factors unique to each study, and every patient should discuss the possible benefits and risks with their doctor or the study's doctor before participating.
Patients participate in clinical trials for various reasons. Most often patients are not satisfied with their current treatments; or sometimes there are no effective treatments for their conditions leading them to participate in a clinical trial. Whatever the reason you choose, you will need to be well informed about the clinical trial and sign an Informed Consent at the study center conducting the trial.
How does the process of enrollment work?
Unlike educational websites about clinical trials, we find new diagnostic and treatment options for patients. Additionally, Exodon helps patients with various illnesses and disorders understand the clinical trials research process so they can make more informed choices about participating.
We accomplish this in a couple of different ways; 1) we bring clinical research treatment options directly to you through your doctor for those doctors who participate in our clinical research network. This allows us to notify your doctor of every upcoming treatment study around the world that you may be qualified to participate. And 2); we collect medical histories on patients (submitting identifying information is not necessary) and use this information to find treatment options for patients.
If you would like to be considered for ongoing and upcoming clinical trials, please complete an anonymous medical history form by clicking here: Find New Treatment Options For Me.
Does completing the form mean I've signed up for a clinical trial?
Completing this form does not mean you are entering a clinical trial. This information will allow us to match your de-identified medical history to the criteria for ongoing and upcoming clinical research studies. For every match, you will be notified immediately. You will discuss the clinical research trial with one of our doctors or clinical research nurses, and if interested you will be referred to the study center closest to you. If there is not a study center nearby and your doctor is not participating in the trial for your condition, we will discuss with your doctor the possibility of participating in the clinical research study with you.
Do I have to give out personal information?
No. Exodon does not collect personal information. You only have to provide us with your email, city/town, state/province and country on the Find New Treatment Options For Me page and we will notify you of any new diagnostic or treatment options that you qualify for based on the medical information that you provide.
Click here if you need to set up an anonymous email account
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