Before you pay for a treatment
Someone offers you a treatment for money, or a place in a “study”? Go through this list first.
Ask for the registry number
A real clinical trial has a number such as NCT01234567 or 2024-512345-12-00. Check it in the registry yourself, not through a link they send.
A trial does not charge you for the treatment it tests
In a registered trial the sponsor pays for the treatment being tested. If you are asked to pay for it, ask why.
Ask for published results
Stories, thank-you letters and "patients report" are not results. Ask where the results were published.
Ask your own doctor first
Some products interfere with chemotherapy, radiation or other medicines. Your treating doctor can check this.
Do not stop standard treatment for it
Do not stop or delay your treatment without talking to your care team.
Watch out for these words
"Cures everything", "no side effects", "natural, so harmless", "doctors hide this from you".
Watch out for pressure
"Only a few places left", "you have to decide today", "pay in advance". A serious offer gives you time.
Know what you pay for
Ask in writing: what exactly is included, who gets the money, and what happens if you stop.
Check the clinic and the doctor
Is the doctor registered with the medical chamber of the country? Is the clinic licensed?
Treatment abroad
Ask your health insurer before you travel. EU rules on cross-border care say when costs are covered.
Check a registry number
Type the number you were given. We open the trial page if we have it, with a link to the registry.
Not medical advice. Talk to the care team before changing treatment. What we know about treatments people ask about · Clinical trial words, explained