Informed Consent: A Clinical Trials Perspective

The primary goal of the thousands of registered trials in cancer research is to extend survival. With evaluation of efficacy, safety, and tolerability, healthcare providers must ensure that the principles described in the Belmont Report are upheld and that patients are truly informed when signing a consent form. In this article, two cases are highlighted, and reasons for participating in clinical trials are discussed. Challenges, such as healthcare literacy, patients’ dedication to their healthcare providers, and choosing between multiple trials, are also explored.