What are the risks of participating in each phase of a clinical trial?
What are the risks of participating in each phase of a clinical trial?
Risks in clinical trials vary by phase:
Phase I trials carry the most uncertainty, as the treatment is being tested for the first time in humans. The main risks involve unknown side effects.
Phase II trials have a slightly higher level of certainty but still focus on safety and may uncover more side effects or risks.
Phase III trials have more participants, so while they are generally safer due to more information being available about the treatment, there's still a risk of side effects or the treatment not being effective.
Phase IV trials have the lowest risk as the treatment has already been approved, but they might reveal rare or long-term side effects.