Participation matters, especially when it comes to clinical trials. The National Institutes of Health currently lists more than 575,000 studies on its ClinicalTrials.gov website, with trials spanning various medical disciplines and locations in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 225 countries and territories. While opportunities to participate are widely available, encouraging patients to enroll — particularly in dermatology trials — requires clear information, strong communication, and thoughtful encouragement.
“A win-win”
Clinical trials are essential for advancing dermatologic medicine, serving as a bridge between scientific discovery and practical application.
“We can help learn about new treatments, contribute to the literature, but also directly serve our patients,” explained Peter Lio, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center. “It can be a win-win.”
Doctors and patients who participate in dermatology clinical trials contribute to the advancement of dermatologic medicine while potentially gaining access to promising new treatments.
“If we believe, and I very strongly believe, that there are kind of two parts to this —there’s taking care of the individual patients, but then there’s also building towards the future,” Dr. Lio added. Clinicians can contribute to both simultaneously by participating in clinical trials.
Benefits to Participation
Dermatology clinical trials provide opportunities to access innovative treatments for a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions while contributing to medical research. Patients should understand the potential benefits so that they can make informed decisions about participation.
Access to New Treatments: Trials provide patients with access to new therapies before they become widely available to the public — particularly beneficial for those who have not had success with existing treatments.
Contribution to Medical Knowledge: Patients play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, contributing data that helps researchers improve current therapies and develop new ones.
Comprehensive Care: Clinical trials often involve closer monitoring and more detailed medical oversight than routine care, which can help improve symptom management and overall quality of life.
Diversity and Inclusivity: Diversity participation in clinical trials is essential for ensuring research accurately reflects the broader population and addresses the needs of patients with different skin types and conditions.
The benefits of participation are not limited to the patients involved. Dermatologists who participate in clinical research help expand therapeutic possibilities while fulfilling their commitment to improving outcomes for both current and future patients.
Potential Drawbacks
Participating in clinical trials can also require additional commitments. These may include extensive paperwork, increased testing, and more frequent and longer appointments. The added time and logistical demands can discourage some patients from enrolling.
Although investigational drugs undergo rigorous testing before reaching human trials, potential side effects are always possible and can vary from person to person. Risks are generally higher in the early stages of trials, despite strict ethical guidelines and safety protocols.
Many clinical trials also include placebo groups to ensure accurate results. As a result, some participants may not receive the active treatment. Patients cannot control whether they receive an investigational therapy, an already-approved medication, or a placebo.
In addition, patients must meet specific eligibility requirements — including factors such as age, medical history, current health status, and previous treatments. These requirements can limit the number of trials in which a patient qualifies. Finally, patients must carefully review the informed consent process to ensure they fully understand the study before choosing to participate.
Final Thoughts
Clinical trials are where the treatments of the future begin. The doctors and patients who participate help advance scientific knowledge and improve outcomes for others living with similar conditions. While participation may involve some inconvenience, patients may also gain access to cutting-edge treatments before they become widely available — and experience the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful progress in dermatologic care.
