Clinical Trial

Many children are living with conditions for which there are not yet treatments. Fortunately, the current and vast evolving landscape of potential new therapies and associated clinical trials offers great hope.

With these advancements, families must learn new terms, make complex decisions, and potentially face a new aspect of anticipatory grief. Advocating for your child is both a privilege and a great responsibility. The more you understand, the better equipped you will be to navigate the evaluation process. 

This section is devoted to the lived experience of considering participation in a clinical trial. Certain terms related to trials are mentioned but are not explained in detail. A glossary of clinical trial language can be found in the CPN guide “Understanding Clinical Trial Terms.” Terms related to clinical trials are fairly standard across trials, but you should always discuss with medical providers or research coordinators how each term relates to the study you are considering for your child.