New cancer drugs or treatments are tested and researched thoroughly before they are given to people.
Before a clinical trial begins it has to be approved, first by a group of independent scientists and then by a research ethics committee. These committees are often based at local hospitals and are made up of healthcare professionals and lay people.
There are other safeguards in place for patients taking part in trials. For example:
In practice patients on clinical trials are very well looked after. They are closely monitored and get 1:1 care from experienced trials nurses.