Research Clinical Trials

How much will it cost me to participate in a clinical trial? Who pays for the drugs and for all those tests?

Some studies have a sponsor, such as a pharmaceutical company or a biotechnology company, that will pay for the new drug being tested. But rarely do they cover the costs of hospital and doctor visits, x-rays, blood tests, and other procedures. You or your insurance company will most likely be responsible for these. The doctor or nurse who talks to you about the trial should give you that information. If it's not clear to you, be sure to ask. And when thinking about the expense, be sure to factor in any travel costs if you have to go to a center far away from home.

Will my insurance cover the costs?

Whether any of these costs will be covered by your health insurance plan depends on the company that provides your insurance, the particular plan you have, and the study you hope to participate in. If the drugs, procedures, tests, and doctor's visits associated with the clinical trial are about the same as what you would receive if you were not participating in a trial, your insurance company may pay. A recent study indicates that in general there is no difference in the cost of patient care between clinical trials and standard care. You'll need to discuss this with your insurance company BEFORE getting involved in a trial.

So if participating in a clinical trial costs me money, has possible unknown risks, if no one knows if the new treatment is any better than the current standard treatment, and if I won't know which treatment I'm getting until the study is over, then why should I consider a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial can offer you many advantages. There is a chance that the new treatment will shrink or eliminate your tumor, and that it will reduce your symptoms, that it will enhance and extend your life. Be assured that you will be monitored very closely, and that you will receive the best of care during the trial. And there's the gratification of helping others: your participation will advance the treatment possibilities for breast cancer patients who follow you.

Whatever you decide about participating in a clinical trial, make sure your decision is based on as much information as you can gather, and that it is the decision that gives you high quality care along with the most peace of mind.