Join in with a Clinical Trial

What are clinical trials?

Getting involved in a clinical trial means trying out a new method of treating or managing a condition. Researchers believe that they have found a better treatment than the standard treatment usually given to patients, and need people to take part in the trial to establish whether the new treatment does work.

The new drug or treatment plan may be better than the standard one - however it's worth noting that it might also be the same, or even less effective. You could also experience unexpected side-effects, or be given a placebo drug as part of the trial's 'control group'.

How do I get involved in a clinical trial?

Before looking into joining a trial, you should make sure you know the following information: your tumour type, the tumour grade, the location of the tumour in the brain, results of any biomarker testing, what treatments you have previously been on, and any other medical conditions.

Before taking part, you should speak with your health team to discuss which trials might be suitable for you.

There are numerous global databases which list available clinical trials. To find out more, click below.

Global databases

ClinicalTrials.gov - a free resource compiled by the U.S. National Library of Medicine

MyTomorrows - a free platform that helps you find newly available treatment options

UK databases

Cancer Research UK - CRUK offers its own database

Be Part of Research - this gateway is provided by the NHS National Institute for Health Research

USA databases

NBTS Clinical Trials Finder - find trials in the USA via the National Brain Tumour Society

More information

The Brain Tumour Charity has put together a useful guide providing more information about clinical trials to help you decide whether this might be the right option for you. To read the guide, click here.


If you would like to get in touch with YBTC for support or advice, email support@yorksbtc.org.uk or call 0113 511 8111.