Can a child join a study?

New medicines allow us to get better faster after we are sick. They protect us from getting sick and can help us get better when we do get sick. This is important for all of us, including children.

In 1960, only 20% of children with cancer survived. Now, because of the medicines that were discovered and studied, more than 85% of children who get cancer recover and go on to live a normal adult life. More than half of children with cancer in the United States enroll in at least one clinical research study.

Children can join studies.

Has someone asked you to consider a study for your child?

Talk to your child’s doctor. No one knows your child’s health better than his or her doctor.  If your child’s doctor is not the study doctor, he or she may want more medical information about the study. Ask the study doctor for that. You can ask your own doctor to talk to the study doctor and to get back to you. This will help you decide whether the study may be a good idea for your child.

Are you looking for a study for your child?

Ask your doctor. Look at the links on the “How do I learn more?” page. Search the Web. If your child has a chronic or serious disease, ask the support group for that disease.

Will your child be safe in a study?

The government regulations require that studies including children receive special scrutiny. The IRB will carefully evaluate a study of children to see that it is as safe as it can be.

What else should I consider?

Ask your child. Explain the reasons for the study and what he or she will have to do. If you have questions, ask the study doctor, and ask him or her to speak with both you and your child. If your child doesn’t want to be in the study, don’t try to persuade him or her.

No one ever should feel forced to join a study – including a child.