Our clinical trial program
We encourage you to talk to your physician to find out if participating in a clinical trial could be right for you.
Clinical trial opportunities
Today's standard treatments were once part of research studies designed to improve the treatment and care of people with cancer. A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study that evaluates new medical approaches in people. Cancer care clinical trials are conducted to answer important scientific questions that may lead to advances in prevention, detection and treatment.
If you choose to take part in a clinical trial, you will be closely monitored with medical exams and testing before, during and after the study. Your safety is a central priority. Clinical trials are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and investigational therapies must undergo rigorous preclinical testing before they are approved for evaluation in humans.
If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you may receive:
- Access to new therapies not yet widely available
- Closer condition monitoring by a dedicated research team
- Personalized treatment approaches based on generic testing
You may explore the clinical trials available to you online.
About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
Fighting cancer takes a team
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Our team has answered some of the most common questions we get about cancer clinical trials.
Why should I participate in a clinical trial
Participating in scientific research through a clinical trial has numerous benefits for you. It can:
- Provide access to the latest treatment options that are being explored
- Allow a more active role in your care
- Contribute to medical knowledge and progress against cancer, which can improve care for patients overall
Who pays for clinical trials?
A clinical trial has both patient care costs and research costs. Patient care costs are costs related to treating your cancer and are often covered by health insurance. Your usual copays and coinsurance would apply. Doctor visits, hospital stays, standard cancer treatment, lab tests and imaging tests are all considered patient care costs.
Research costs are those related to taking part in the trial. Often these costs are not covered by health insurance but are usually covered by the research trial’s sponsor. Examples of research costs could include study medicines and additional lab or imaging tests performed solely for the trial. Travel and accommodation for the study may also be covered.
Will I continue to work with my current providers while in a research trial?
Yes, most clinical trials do not provide complete primary healthcare. Typically, if you participate in a clinical trial, you will also keep seeing your current oncologist. Maintaining a relationship with your oncologist is important for continuity of care.
Do I have to participate in a clinical trial?
No, your participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary. Participants may withdraw their decision to participate at any time for any reason. When withdrawing from the clinical trial, you should let the research team know about your reasons for leaving the study.
Can I get the clinical trial drug at any oncology office?
No, usually only a limited number of sites are authorized to administer the clinical trial since the investigational agents need to be handled according to a specific protocol. The route of administration (pill, intravenous or injection) will depend on the specific clinical trial. Our clinical trial search tool allows you to search for clinical trials by disease type and zip code.
What should I do if I want to consider participating in a clinical trial?
If you are interested in a clinical trial, you should talk to your care team about setting up a meeting with a research coordinator or study investigator to learn as much as possible about the study.
What happens after the clinical trial ends?
After the study treatment is complete, participants will continue to be followed for months or even years for health updates. If you change to another care team, the research staff may contact the you via phone.
All information collected is analyzed to help determine the investigational treatment’s safety and effectiveness. FDA medical advisors and specialists closely review this data before considering any new therapy for approval. Once a treatment is approved, studies continue to compare the new option with other therapies already on the market. Other studies may research whether the treatment can be administered to a new group of people, its long-term success and its impact on quality of life.
Do I have to go to a different oncologist if I participate in a trial?
No. Typically, patients who participate in a clinical trial can keep seeing their current oncologist. Maintaining a relationship with your oncologist is important for continuity of care.
How long do I stay on a clinical trial?
Patients who participate in clinical trials will have their cancer followed with routine tests to evaluate whether the treatment is working. In most cases, the treatment is continued as long as it appears to be working.
Participating in scientific research through a clinical trial has numerous benefits for you. It can:
- Provide access to the latest treatment options that are being explored
- Allow a more active role in your care
- Contribute to medical knowledge and progress against cancer, which can improve care for patients overall
A clinical trial has both patient care costs and research costs. Patient care costs are costs related to treating your cancer and are often covered by health insurance. Your usual copays and coinsurance would apply. Doctor visits, hospital stays, standard cancer treatment, lab tests and imaging tests are all considered patient care costs.
Research costs are those related to taking part in the trial. Often these costs are not covered by health insurance but are usually covered by the research trial’s sponsor. Examples of research costs could include study medicines and additional lab or imaging tests performed solely for the trial. Travel and accommodation for the study may also be covered.
Yes, most clinical trials do not provide complete primary healthcare. Typically, if you participate in a clinical trial, you will also keep seeing your current oncologist. Maintaining a relationship with your oncologist is important for continuity of care.
No, your participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary. Participants may withdraw their decision to participate at any time for any reason. When withdrawing from the clinical trial, you should let the research team know about your reasons for leaving the study.
No, usually only a limited number of sites are authorized to administer the clinical trial since the investigational agents need to be handled according to a specific protocol. The route of administration (pill, intravenous or injection) will depend on the specific clinical trial. Our clinical trial search tool allows you to search for clinical trials by disease type and zip code.
If you are interested in a clinical trial, you should talk to your care team about setting up a meeting with a research coordinator or study investigator to learn as much as possible about the study.
After the study treatment is complete, participants will continue to be followed for months or even years for health updates. If you change to another care team, the research staff may contact the you via phone.
All information collected is analyzed to help determine the investigational treatment’s safety and effectiveness. FDA medical advisors and specialists closely review this data before considering any new therapy for approval. Once a treatment is approved, studies continue to compare the new option with other therapies already on the market. Other studies may research whether the treatment can be administered to a new group of people, its long-term success and its impact on quality of life.
No. Typically, patients who participate in a clinical trial can keep seeing their current oncologist. Maintaining a relationship with your oncologist is important for continuity of care.
Patients who participate in clinical trials will have their cancer followed with routine tests to evaluate whether the treatment is working. In most cases, the treatment is continued as long as it appears to be working.