MRC CTU - FAQs

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Here you will find answers to the Frequently Asked Questions, organised under different topics. Click on a link to jump to a topic.

Questions about trials

Which studies offer payment?

The MRC Clinical Trials Unit rarely recruits healthy volunteers for studies. Almost all of our studies involve people who have a particular illness – for example cancer or HIV.

If you're healthy and are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, please take a look at the Help Make History website.

What is a clinical trial?

See the section "What are clinical trials?"

How do I know if a trial is safe?

See the section "How do I know if a trial is safe?"

How can I find a trial to take part in?

See the section "Taking part in a trial"

Who can I contact for more information about a study?

If you want to find out more about a MRC Clinical Trials Unit study, there is an email address within each study page. For other studies, you may need to ask your doctor. You can read more about finding a trial that's relevant to you by clicking here.

What is informed consent?

See the section "Giving your consent"

What if I get sicker while I am taking part in a trial?

When you're taking part in a trial, your health will be monitored closely. If you get sicker, your doctor may decide it’s best for you to withdraw from the trial, and he or she will talk with you about this. Or you may decide you don't want to be part of the trial any more. If you decide to withdraw from the trial, no one should hold this against you.

Is my participation in a trial kept confidential?

See the section "Is my participation in a trial confidential?"

What will happen if I decide that I no longer want to be part of a trial?

If you agree to join a trial and you're not happy about the way it is going, you can leave the trial at any point without having to give a reason and without it affecting your health care.

Do people ever receive placebos instead of treatment?

Sometimes a placebo may be used in a trial. You will be made aware of whether this is a possibility before you decide if you want to participate in the trial. More information about placebos is available here.

What happens after the trial is over?

See section "What happens at the end of a trial?"

Can I still receive care from my own doctor when I’m taking part in a trial?

Yes. It is important you go to the doctor in the same way you would normally when you take part in a clinical trial. You may be asked to go for extra tests, too.

Why should I take part in a trial?

Taking part in a trial may benefit you personally. For example, you may get access to a better treatment before other people do. And your health will be closely monitored. But it’s much more likely that taking part in a trial will benefit other people in the future. For example, in cancer care, trials have been used to try out new treatments – radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and complementary therapies. Trials have also been used to find out the best ways of using these treatments. This has meant that many people with cancer, HIV/AIDS and many other illnesses now live longer and have a better quality of life.

Questions about the MRC Clinical Trials Unit

What areas of research does the MRC Clinical Trials Unit cover?

We specialise in research in cancer and HIV/AIDS. We also undertake research in other areas, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and mental health. We plan and run clinical trials, and we bring together the results of a number of trials which look at the same illness or condition (this is called systematic review or meta-analysis). We also undertake observational studies. Click here for a list of all of our research areas.

I am a healthy volunteer and would like to participate in your trials

At the CTU we run trials of treatments for people with a particular illness or condition (e.g. cancer or HIV). We do not recruit healthy volunteers.

I am interested in working at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit, do you have any vacancies?

Vacancies at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit are advertised on our website here.

I am a member of the press and would like further information about the MRC Clinical Trials Unit

All press queries are dealt with in the first instance by the MRC Press Office. The Press Office is available 24 hours a day to answer questions from journalists about recent MRC news or issues relating to medical research. Direct line: +44 (0)20 7637 6011, out of office hours number: +44 (0)7818 428297, email: press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk.

I am looking for a specific email address but I can't find one

If you know the name of the person you would like to email, the format is initial.surname@ctu.mrc.ac.uk (eg. j.smith@ctu.mrc.ac.uk), otherwise you can email enquiries@ctu.mrc.ac.uk.

I am looking for a specific telephone number but I can't find one

We do not publish the telephone numbers of members of staff on the website. Please use our central telephone number: +44 (0)20 7670 4700.

I would like to book a meeting room at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit

For all enquiries regarding meeting rooms, please contact reception@ctu.mrc.ac.uk.

I'm coming to the MRC Clinical Trials Unit for a meeting and would like more information about parking

For more information regarding the availability of parking spaces, please contact reception@ctu.mrc.ac.uk.

I'm coming to the MRC Clinical Trials Unit and I'm looking for accommodation nearby. Can you recommend anywhere?

There are many hotels within a few minutes walk of the MRC Clinical Trials Unit to suit people with different budgets. These include:

I want to do an MSc/PhD and am looking for funding

See the section on studentships.

I came to a meeting at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit and I want to reclaim my travel expenses. How do I do it?

You should contact the person from the MRC Clinical Trials Unit who invited you to the meeting and ask for an expenses claim form. You will need receipts for your journeys.

Last Update Date : 2/27/2012