Our Mission

Puma Biotechnology is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the acquisition, development, and commercialization of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.

Clinical Trials

ALISCA™: ALISertib in CAncer

Real-Life Barriers to Clinical Trials & How to Get Help

Real-Life Barriers to Clinical Trials & How to Get Help

Doctors look to clinical trials to learn more about cancer and how to treat it. People join clinical trials to help test potential new treatments, like new cancer drugs or ways to reduce side effects. While you may be interested in considering a clinical trial, you may also have some questions or concerns. Many people face challenges that make it hard to join a clinical trial or to stay in once it begins.1

Here are five common barriers and along with some ways to get help:

1. Clinical Trial Costs

Even though the treatment in a clinical trial is usually covered, other costs may add up.2 This might include:

  • Gas, parking, or subway/bus fare
  • Meals during long clinic days
  • Travel to a hospital that’s far away3

What can help: Ask your clinical trial team if there is help available to reduce these costs. Some clinical trials may be able to reimburse you for things like travel, meals, or parking.3 It’s okay to ask. You could ask a question such as, “Are there any reimbursements or support programs to cover some of the costs related to this clinical trial?”

2. Daily Responsibilities

Life doesn’t stop for treatment. Some people worry about:

  • Childcare during appointments4
  • Leaving pets at home5
  • Missing work6

What can help: Talk to the clinical trial coordinator before signing up. If childcare is a concern, you can ask whether the hospital or local organizations have resources that might help. You can also ask whether anyone on your care team can point you toward local support resources for other needs or information about taking time off work.

3. Lack of Trust in the Healthcare System

It’s normal for people to have questions or feel unsure about joining a clinical trial, sometimes because of personal experiences they have had in healthcare or things they’ve heard.7

What can help: It’s always okay to ask questions and expect clear answers. You have rights as a participant, and you are in control of your decision. Every clinical trial has an Informed Consent form that explains what’s involved.8 Take your time reading it, and don’t be afraid to ask about anything that feels unclear.

4. Lack of Easy-to-Understand Information

Clinical trial information may sometimes be written in complicated medical terms.

What can help: Ask the clinical trial team to explain things in plain language.

You can also check out trusted sources such as the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health. Nonprofits like the American Cancer Society, BreastCancer.org, or GO2 for Lung Cancer also provide information about clinical trials.

5. Fear of Being a “Test Subject”

Some people worry they’ll be treated like an experiment.7

What can help: You have rights in a clinical trial. You will never be treated without your permission. You can say no or stop at any time.8 You will still receive care even if you leave the clinical trial.9

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about a clinical trial but feel unsure, you’re not alone. Many people have questions. There are often resources to help, like gas cards, meal support, or someone to answer your questions.

If you’re thinking about a clinical trial but feel unsure, you’re not alone. Many people have questions. There are often resources to help, like gas cards, meal support, or someone to answer your questions.

It’s important to understand your options so don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor.

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