• Treatment trials test new combinations of treatments, new drugs, new approaches to surgery or medical therapy or new methods such as gene therapy.
• Prevention trials test new ways to possibly lower risks, such as medicines, vitamins, minerals or other supplements.
• Screening trials test the best way to find specific diseases, especially in their early stages.
• Quality-of-life trials (also called supportive care trials) explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for people who have serious pancreas, liver or gallbladder disease.

Phases of clinical trials
Most research moves ahead in a series of steps called phases. There are usually three phases:

• Phase I trials:  Researchers test an experimental treatment or drug in a small group of people to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range and identify side effects.
• Phase II trials:  Here, the experimental study treatment or drug is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
• Phase III trials:  These studies compare a new treatment or drug with the current standard treatment. Participants are usually randomly assigned to either the group receiving the standard treatment or the group receiving the new treatment. (This is called randomization.) Phase III trials often enroll a large number of people.

Benefits of participating in a clinical trial
By taking part in a clinical trial, you will:

• Receive health care provided by leading doctors in the field of pancreas, liver and gallbladder research
• Have access to new treatments or drugs before they are widely available
• Be closely monitored for any side effects
• Have a chance to make a valuable contribution to pancreas, liver or gallbladder disease research

Should you volunteer for a clinical trial?
Participation in any clinical trial is voluntary. If you feel any pressure to volunteer for a clinical trial, you should not enroll, although volunteers can change their minds and withdraw from the study at any time. Any information obtained in a clinical trial remains confidential and is not shared unless authorized by the participant.