Should I participate in a stem cell clinical trial?
Author: Sharon Jang , Vanessa Mok | Reviewer: Peggy Assinck | Published: 13 May 2020 | Updated: ~
Before taking part in a research trial, it is important to seek medical advice from your healthcare team. Your healthcare providers can direct you to SCI studies that are available, assess whether you are a suitable candidate, and provide you with educational resources. There are also online databases containing registered clinical trials such as SciTrialsFinder.net, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN Registry, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).
Ensure that the trial you wish to partake in is approved by:
- An independent review committee such as an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Review Board (ERB) to protect your rights as a participant
- A regulatory agency such as Health Canada, USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or European Medicines Agency (EMEA) to make sure the treatment will be conducted in a safe manner
Experimental Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury: What you should know is a guide that outlines other important considerations to think about before agreeing to participate in a clinical trial for an experimental treatment.
