Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Joining A Clinical Trial for Colorectal Cancer

This is the eighth page in the Understanding Colorectal Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on April 6th, 2026.

Clinical trials are how doctors and researchers find new and better treatments for colorectal cancer. Clinical trials can test:

• New medications or combinations of medications
• New surgery or radiation techniques
• How well current treatments work for different groups of patients
• Other approaches that may improve quality of life

All patients who enroll in clinical trials are volunteers. All medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must go through clinical trials to measure how safe and effective they are.

Should I join a clinical trial?

You may decide to join a clinical trial for many reasons. Sometimes, a clinical trial offers the best treatment option available. You may also want to contribute to research that could help future patients. Your care team can help you evaluate whether a clinical trial is the right option for you.

Joining a clinical trial is always your choice. You can withdraw at any time. Before enrolling, the research team will explain the trial's goals, what the treatment involves, potential risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant.

Will my insurance cover a clinical trial?

In the United States, the Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover routine patient care costs for federally approved or funded clinical trials for cancer or other life-threatening diseases. Routine costs include standard cancer treatment, supportive care, medical visits, labs, and scans.

Other costs, such as the cost of the experimental drug or intervention, are typically covered by the clinical trial sponsor. Some costs, such as travel, may not be covered. Ask the research team about any out-of-pocket costs before enrolling.