What Is Clinical Research?

Clinical research is a structured process that helps researchers learn whether new treatments, interventions, or procedures are safe and effective for people who choose to take part. Clinical research involving patients usually happens after many years of laboratory and preclinical studies. During this early research, scientists study how a potential treatment works and identify possible side effects. When these early studies show promising results, researchers may move forward with carefully planned clinical research involving people.

Adapted from the National Cancer Institute

Types of Clinical Research StudiesPrevention StudiesDiagnostic StudiesTreatment StudiesQuality of Life or Supportive Care StudiesCorrelative Studies
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What Are the Types of Clinical Research Studies?

There are several types of clinical research studies. Each type is designed to answer a specific research question or address a particular aspect of care.

  • Prevention Studies
  • Diagnostic Studies
  • Treatment Studies
  • Quality of Life or Supportive Care Studies
  • Correlative Studies

Adapted from the National Cancer Institute

Prevention Studies

Studies that explore ways to prevent a disease or reduce a person’s risk of developing one.

Diagnostic Studies

Studies that aim to improve how diseases are found (detected) or how a person’s risk of developing a disease is determined. Finding a disease early may improve outcomes.

Treatment Studies

Studies that test new or improved ways to treat a disease. These may include drugs, cell therapies, vaccines, surgery, or combinations of treatments.

Quality of Life or Supportive Care Studies

Studies that focus on improving comfort, symptom management, and overall well‑being for people who have or have had a disease.

Correlative Studies

As a patient at UHN, you may be asked to take part in a research study that involves providing blood samples or tissue. These are called correlative studies.
Correlative studies help researchers better understand how diseases develop and how they respond to different treatments. This information may help improve care for future patients.

Why Do People Choose to Participate in Clinical Research?

People choose to take part in clinical research for many reasons:

  • Clinical research helps improve our understanding of diseases and how they affect people.
  • It supports the development of new treatments, procedures, or improved ways of using existing treatments.
  • Some studies may give participants access to new treatment options that are not yet widely available.

It is important to fully understand what participation involves before deciding. Talk with your doctor and research team about the potential benefits and risks. Taking part in clinical research is always your choice, and you will continue to receive excellent care regardless of your decision.

What Can I Expect If I Join Clinical Research?

If you choose to take part in a clinical research study, participation usually includes the following stages as part of the informed consent process:

  • Screening Stage

    After you sign the Informed Consent Form, the research team conducts assessments to confirm whether you are eligible. This stage may include medical tests or procedures.

  • Active Stage

    During this stage, you receive the study treatment and/or take part in study‑related procedures, depending on the type of research study.

  • Follow Up Stage

    After the active stage ends, the research team continues to monitor your health. Follow‑up helps researchers understand the longer‑term effects and outcomes of the research.