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.