.png)
Q&A 2025 CLINICAL TRIALS - OVERVIEW
Q&A 2025 CLINICAL TRIALS - OVERVIEW
2/17/25, 6:00 PM
ClinicalTrials.gov is a website that shares information about medical studies involving people. Doctors and scientists use it to find new ways to treat illnesses. People can visit the site to learn about these studies and see if they want to join.
The website lists studies from all over the United States and many other countries. It tells you what the study is about, who can join, where it's happening, and what the researchers have discovered so far. However, the U.S. government doesn't check every study on the site for safety or accuracy.
The people running each study are responsible for making sure it's safe and follows the rules. So, if you're thinking about joining a study, it's important to talk to your doctor first.
Q: What is ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: ClinicalTrials.gov is a website where you can find information about medical studies involving people. These studies help doctors and scientists discover new ways to treat diseases.
Q: Who uses ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: It's used by everyone! Doctors, researchers, patients, and the general public can visit the site to learn about different medical studies and their results.
Q: Does the U.S. government approve all studies listed on ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: No, the U.S. government doesn't review or approve the safety and science of all studies listed on the website. The people running each study are responsible for making sure it's safe and follows the rules.
Q: What types of studies are listed on ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: The website includes:
• Clinical trials: Studies where participants receive specific treatments to see how they affect health.
• Observational studies: Studies where researchers observe participants without assigning specific treatments.
These studies can take place in all 50 states and over 200 countries.
Q: Is every research study listed on ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: No, not all studies are listed. Researchers choose to list their studies based on laws, policies, or personal choice. Some studies are required to be listed by law, while others are added voluntarily.
Q: Who submits information about a clinical study to ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: The people or organizations conducting the study, known as sponsors or investigators, submit the information. They're responsible for ensuring their studies follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Q: What information can be found about each study on ClinicalTrials.gov?
A: Each study record includes:
• General information: Study name, description, sponsor, funding sources, health conditions studied, start and end dates, and locations.
• Specific details: Who can join (eligibility criteria), number of participants needed, description of treatments or interventions, research goals, measurement methods, and contact information.
Some records also include study protocols, analysis plans, consent forms, and results.
Q: Does ClinicalTrials.gov include information about study results?
A: Yes, many study records include results, usually posted within a year after the study is completed. Results are presented in tables and include participant characteristics, findings, and summaries of any health problems that occurred during the study. However, these results don't include personal information about participants.
Q: Why was ClinicalTrials.gov created?
A: It was established in 2000 as part of a law passed in 1997 to provide the public with information about clinical trials, especially those testing new treatments for serious or life-threatening diseases. Over time, it has expanded to include more types of studies and information, ensuring transparency and public access to clinical research.