Clinical trials are effective in testing new medical research work. Scientists and doctors are continuously researching and trying to find ways to help people to cope with metastatic breast cancer. To know whether the new treatments are effective, doctors conduct research where volunteers who are diagnosed with the condition are treated. Experimenting with the newly discovered treatments are known as clinical trials. Every drug that is used to treat metastatic breast cancer currently has been tested under clinical trials beforehand.

Volunteering for clinical trials
Individuals are allowed to make the choice of participating in clinical trials. Most do not opt for this as there could be side effects and disturbing results, while others want to contribute because they know that these clinical trials will help in the progression of treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Even if they directly may not receive any substantial benefit, their participation may prove to be quite beneficial for future patients who are diagnosed with the same condition.

The insurance coverage of these clinical trials is different based on the treatments conducted and the location. While some programs compensate individuals for some of the expenses in clinical trials, others may not provide anything.

The informed consent
Informed consent is a process that one needs to undergo before participating in a clinical trial. The doctor is required to describe all the treatments options so that the person volunteering is aware that how these new treatments are different than the usual ones. The potential risks that the new treatments involve is also disclosed. Additionally, the doctor will explain his role in the clinical trials, including the schedule of treatments, tests conducted, and required visits.

Protection of the patient
Patients who are volunteering for the clinical trials of metastatic breast cancer can withdraw their participation anytime they wish to due to any personal or medical reasons. This usually happens when the new treatment performed may not prove to be effective or has some serious side effects. Sometimes experts who closely monitor patients for any changes or problems when they are undergoing a clinical trial.