How to Find Relevant Clinical Trials: 5 Steps to Get Started
· Gena Health Team
Searching for clinical trials can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Patients and carers often encounter long lists of studies, complex eligibility rules, and unfamiliar terminology. But with the right approach and a few trusted resources, you can make the process much more manageable.
For the next installment of our Clinical Trials Demystified Series, here are five practical steps to help you find trials that could be relevant for you or someone you care for.
1. Get your medical details organised
Before you begin searching, it helps to have a clear picture of your medical history. Most trials use this information to determine eligibility, so having it to hand saves time later.
You’ll need:
Cancer type and subtype (for example, glioblastoma multiforme or triple-negative breast cancer)
Stage or grade of cancer
Any known biomarkers or genetic mutations (such as EGFR, BRAF, or IDH1)
Current and past treatments, including start and end dates
Recent scan or blood test results
If you don’t have all of this yet, ask your care team or hospital records department for a summary of your diagnosis and treatment history.
2. Use trusted trial databases
There are many clinical trial registries online — some global, some UK-specific. Reliable places to start include:
Be Part of Research (NHS) – the NHS’s official portal for UK clinical trials
Cancer Research UK Trial Search – filters by cancer type, stage, and hospital
ClinicalTrials.gov – an international database listing over 400,000 studies worldwide
Or services like Gena's Compass platform which automate the clinical trial searches
When reviewing results, focus on the recruiting or open studies first. Each listing should describe the cancer type, purpose, eligibility criteria, location, and who to contact.
3. Narrow by relevance — not just by hope
It’s easy to feel drawn to every trial that sounds promising. But not every study will apply to your diagnosis or treatment history. Look closely at:
Inclusion criteria: which cancers, biomarkers, and treatment histories are eligible
Trial phase: early-phase (I/II) trials test safety and dose; later-phase (III/IV) trials compare effectiveness to standard care
Location and travel: some trials are limited to specific NHS Trusts or research centres
Commitment: frequency of visits, monitoring, or additional procedures
If a trial looks like a good fit, note the study ID or contact email — you’ll need this to discuss it with your care team.
4. Talk it through with your oncologist
Before applying, share the trial details with your oncologist or specialist nurse. They can help interpret the study’s aim and assess whether it fits your situation.
You could ask:
Does this trial align with my cancer type and treatment history?
Would joining affect my current or planned treatment?
Could I be referred to the hospital running it?
Your care team can also check if a similar trial is already available locally or through your NHS Trust. If it looks suitable, they can help make the referral or provide your medical records for pre-screening.
5. Let technology and experts help you search
Even with these tools, searching for trials can take hours — and new ones open every week. That’s where Gena can help.
Compass is our free, secure, AI-powered navigator that matches your medical details to relevant clinical trials and treatments. It’s currently in pilot for glioblastoma patients and expanding to more cancer types soon.
Compass is designed to save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help you explore options safely and effectively.
In summary
Finding a clinical trial doesn’t have to be daunting. Start with your medical details, use trusted databases, and focus on what truly fits your cancer and circumstances. Talk openly with your care team and don’t hesitate to seek support when it feels confusing — you don’t have to do this alone.