How to tell a legitimate trial from a predatory one

The bottom line

The overwhelming majority of clinical trials are conducted with real oversight and real safeguards. But predatory "clinics" exist, often outside standard regulatory systems, that charge desperate patients large sums for unproven treatments dressed up in trial language. Knowing the difference protects you.

Red flags, pump the brakes if you see these

• You're asked to pay a large out-of-pocket fee to "participate" in an experimental treatment (legitimate trials rarely charge you for the treatment itself)
• Guarantees of a cure, or pressure language like "last chance" or "act now before it's too late"
• No mention of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or ethics committee overseeing the study
• The trial isn't listed on ClinicalTrials.gov
• Pushback or vagueness when you ask for the informed consent document in writing
• Testimonials in place of published data

What a legitimate trial looks like

• Registered and searchable on ClinicalTrials.gov
• Run through an accredited hospital, university, or recognized research institution
• A clear, written informed consent process you're given time to review, not rushed
• Overseen by an IRB or independent ethics board
• A named principal investigator and research coordinator you can actually reach with questions

The ask

"Is this trial registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, and who is the IRB overseeing it?" A legitimate trial answers this instantly and precisely. Hesitation or vagueness is itself an answer.

Resources

• ClinicalTrials.gov: the federal registry, verify any trial here first.
• Your oncologist or a second-opinion center (see Second Opinion access guide) can independently vet a trial you're considering.
• FDA. Clinical Trials: fda.gov/patients/learn-about-clinical-trials