Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people take part voluntarily). These are studies of ways to prevent, detect, and treat prostate cancer.
Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether a new approach is safe and effective. Research already has led to advances in these areas, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.
People who join clinical trials may be among the first to benefit if a new approach is shown to be effective. And if participants do not benefit directly, they still make an important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more about the disease and how to control it. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers do all they can to protect their patients.
Men who are interested in being part of a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. They may want to read the NCI booklets Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know or Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer Prevention Studies. The NCI also offers an easy-to-read brochure called If You Have Cancer¿What You Should Know About Clinical Trials. These NCI publications describe how clinical trials are carried out and explain their possible benefits and risks.
ClinicalTrials.gov: Prostatic Neoplasms (National Institutes of Health)
Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT): Questions and Answers (National Cancer Institute)
Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT): Questions and Answers (National Cancer Institute) 
