In my case, my Head and Neck Surgeon found the trial and recommended me to participate. He sent my inforrmation (with my approval of course) and then we waited. They hadn't called me after a few weeks - so I just called and followed up with them and got the process rolling. I think they get lots of inquiries - so you may have to start it for yourself as well.

You can always refer yourself. In many trials - we advertise to attract patients (inform patients) that the studies exist and many times we have strictly research centers that do nothing but research trials and patients self refer all of the time. Other times, their personal doctor will refer them.

Keep in mind that a doctor is always overseeing a trial even though you may see a non-doctor coordinator or nurse during most of your visits (not sure about these trials we are speaking of in particular though) and that the FDA and another institution called an IRB oversees all trials to ensure your safety. MD Anderson's website also has a great explanation in plain english to explain trials and IRBs and other things that you might hear along the way.


I dont' know what the bronchial biopsy involves. I've had the scopes -but I've been asleep for all of them. I have only had tongue biopsies as that is all of the suspicious places that I have had.

One reason my doc recommended me to participate in a trial so far away: I travel every week with my job from Los Angeles to Boise to Miami. So, the travel isn't a big deal to me. I have lots of sky miles and hotel points and just found out that my insruance will actually pay travel expenses due to a cancer diagnosis/ treatment and even the participation in a cancer trial. ($10,000 lifetime benefit) And, another girl in my office has a Houston site for another trial and I might swithc a location I have with her for this location in which I'd be going to Houston every 4 weeks anyway and I could coordinate the visits so that I didn't ahve to pay out of pocket to go (Or would only need to pay for one hotel room but wouldn't have to bother with the flights.).