Who can take part in a clinical trial?

Each trial has strict rules for who can take part. These are called ‘inclusion and exclusion criteria’. They can include:

• your age
• what type of cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage of the cancer)
• what previous treatments you have had
• your medical history, including any previous cancer
• other medical conditions
• your blood test results
• your general health – for example, how well you are feeling or how active you are.

Your doctor or research nurse will be able to explain whether a trial is suitable for you.

To check if you are eligible for a trial and meet the criteria, you may need to have screening tests. These may include blood tests, scans or other tests. The screening tests help to make sure it is safe for you to take part, and that the treatment will have the best chance of working for you.

Published February 2022

Review date February 2025