The significance of clinical trials

background: Clinical trials are essential for the development of new treatments. Whether a person should participate depends on their understanding of the risks and benefits for themselves and for society as a whole. Discussion: There are rules in place to protect human research subjects and all studies involving humans are reviewed locally to ensure that subjects are treated safely, fairly, and confidentially. Nevertheless, each subject should consider for themselves whether participation is consistent with their values. Conclusion: Clinical trials, when well-designed, can benefit the participants as well as the investigators, the sponsors, and the medical community.