Clinical trials contribute to the knowledge and progress against cancer. If a new treatment proves effective in study, it may become a new standard treatment that can help many patients. Clinical trials may also answer important scientific questions and suggest future research directions. Because of progress made through clinical trials, many people treated for cancer are now living longer and with a better quality of life.

Patients who enter clinical trials receive high-quality cancer care by experts in their field. All participants receive either state-of-the-art treatment that may not be otherwise available, or they receive the best standard treatment for their disease. Since it is not known if the new treatment is as good as, or better than the standard treatment, no one can predict if a patient will personally benefit from their participation. It is hoped that information gained from the study will benefit other patients with that disease.