If you or your cancer specialist find a suitable trial you want to join, you will be asked to supply details to confirm you are eligible for the trial. As described above, this might involve some extra tests and scans. If it looks like you are eligible for the trial an appointment will be made with your cancer specialist and the research nurse. This is to give you all the information you need about the trial. It is helpful to have a list of questions you want to ask - print off the general list of questions about clinical trial participation 'Should you consider joining a clinical trial?' and the specific list of questions about clinical trial participation 'Should you consider joining a clinical trial?' and take these to your appointment. Keeping notes about the answers helps too.
It is helpful to take a relative or friend with you to help you remember what was said. You do not have to make a decision at this meeting. You can have as many meetings as you would like before making your final decision. There should be no cost to you for participation. Contact the trial researchers directly about this. The researchers need to get your written 'informed consent' before you enter the trial.
If your cancer specialist is not able to enrol you in the trial you may want to ask your doctor to refer you to someone who is able to enrol you, or you may want to contact the trial research team directly.