How to Find Clinical Trial Information on cancer.gov

You can find clinical trial information on cancer.gov through the NCI's clinical trials search tools, which let you filter by cancer type, stage, location, and other criteria. The site also provides plain-language explanations of what trials are, how they work, and how to enroll. If you prefer to talk to someone, NCI offers a cancer information specialist at 1-800-4-CANCER, plus live chat and email.

Where to Start on cancer.gov

The NCI homepage lists "Find a Clinical Trial" under the "For People Affected by Cancer" section. That link takes you into NCI's clinical trials search, where you can begin filtering. The same section also links to related pages on cancer types, diagnosis and staging, and treatment options — useful context before you start narrowing trials.

If you already know your cancer type, you can go directly to that cancer type's page first. Each cancer type page typically includes a treatment section that links to relevant trials, so you can move from "what is this cancer" to "what trials exist for it" without starting over.

How to Search and Filter Trials

The search tools let you narrow results using several dimensions. The most useful filters for patients and caregivers are:

• Cancer type — select the specific cancer (for example, breast, lung, or childhood cancers) rather than a broad category.
• Stage — trials are often designed for a particular stage, so matching your diagnosis and staging matters.
• Location — filter by country, state, or a distance from your ZIP code if you want to find trials near you.
• Trial phase — Phase 1, 2, 3, and 4 trials answer different questions; phase affects what you can expect.
• Recruitment status — check whether a trial is currently recruiting, active but not recruiting, or completed.

Start broad, then add filters one at a time. If you apply too many filters at once, you may get zero results and not know which criterion eliminated everything.

What a Clinical Trial Listing Usually Tells You

Once you open a trial record, look for these key sections. They map to the questions most people have:

Eligibility criteria are the most common reason people are turned away, so read them carefully before contacting a site. If you're unsure whether you qualify, ask the trial's contact person — they can clarify.

Matching Trials to Your Situation

To filter effectively, gather a few facts first:

1. Your exact cancer type and subtype, as named in your pathology report.
2. Your stage, from diagnosis and staging.
3. Treatments you've already had, since many trials require or exclude prior therapies.
4. Your general health and other conditions, which affect eligibility.

With those in hand, search by cancer type and stage, then review eligibility for each result. NCI's pages on diagnosis and staging can help you understand the terms in your report if they're unfamiliar.

Getting Help from NCI

If searching on your own is overwhelming, NCI provides direct support:

• Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER
• Live chat and email through the "Get Answers" option on the site

A cancer information specialist can help you understand trial information and point you toward appropriate resources. This is general information, not a recommendation about whether a specific trial is right for you — that decision belongs with your care team.

Common Pitfalls

• Filtering too narrowly too soon. Start with cancer type, then add stage and location.
• Ignoring eligibility criteria. A trial that looks perfect may exclude you based on prior treatment or another condition.
• Assuming "recruiting" means open slots nearby. A trial can be recruiting nationally but have no active site in your area.
• Relying on a single listing. Trial details change; confirm status and contact info directly with the trial site.