Getting Referred to a Clinical Trial Through Your Care Team

A listing is the start of the conversation

Finding a trial online can be encouraging, but it is not the same as being eligible. The next step is usually to discuss the trial with someone who understands your diagnosis, treatment history, and current health.

For many patients, that person is a hospital consultant, specialist nurse, GP, or existing research team.

What to bring to the appointment

• The trial title and registration number, such as the NCT number if available.
• The recruiting hospital or site location.
• A short reason you think the trial may fit.
• Any criteria you are unsure about, such as biomarker status or previous treatment rules.
• A note of practical constraints, such as travel distance or appointment availability.

What your clinician may check

Your clinician may look at your diagnosis, stage, test results, previous treatments, current medication, and general fitness. They may also know whether a site is actively recruiting or whether a similar local option exists.

Sometimes the answer is clear quickly. In other cases, the clinician may need to contact the trial site or ask a multidisciplinary team for advice.

Contacting a trial site

Some trial records include a named contact, email address, or phone number. Others list only a hospital or sponsor. If contact details are limited, your clinical team may be better placed to make the first approach.

When you contact a site yourself, keep the message brief and include the trial ID, your diagnosis, your location, and whether your clinician is aware you are asking.

If the trial is not suitable

A no can be disappointing, but it can still narrow the search. Ask which criterion ruled you out and whether that might change in the future.

You can also ask whether there are related trials, local research registries, or upcoming options worth monitoring.