Stephany,

There is some excellent information on this site about clinical trials. Go to the site map or do a search. There is also a site called clinicaltrials.gov that lists approved clinical trials around the country.

I stand ready to be corrected on the following:
I don't think anyone gets placebos in Phase 1 clinical trials. I can't say I have paid a lot of attention to Phase 2 & 3 of trials, but everyone I know and everything I have heard is Phase 1 everyone receives treatment with the investigational drug.
There are some trials where maybe people receive different doses of the drug or a different protocol for administration (timing such as weekly, daily, etc.)
Also if the first scans the drug is not working the patient is taken off. (at least with the trials and doctors I'm familiar with)

As I suggested please use the search and read up on factual information instead of just my limited knowledge.

Take care. Best to your Mom.
Dinah