Find a clinical trial that’s right for you

Clinical trial participants enjoy reassurance and security from being closely monitored and the satisfaction of playing an essential role in advancing medicine.

Advancing Urology Through Research

We’re keeping Michigan at the forefront of urology care, and giving patients access to promising treatments and diagnostics with our robust clinical research.

3,000+
Patients Recruited
104+
Study Enrollments
17
Years Doing Trials

Sponsors and Contract Research Organizations

Learn more about partnering with Michigan Institute of Urology for your next urology trial.

Explore Clinical Trials at Michigan Institute of Urology

Each clinical trial follows strict guidelines to protect participants. Ask your doctor if there is a trial that is right for you.

Clinical Trial FAQs

Clinical trials offer treatments that are different from the standard for your condition. They are designed to test whether new treatments are as good as or better than the standard.

Most clinical trials test possible new treatments, but some are about managing symptoms, receiving supportive care or therapy, and improving quality of life.

If you think a clinical trial may be right for you, ask questions to ensure you’re a good fit and that you understand your involvement.

A lot of careful work goes into developing a clinical trial. Throughout every phase, trial data is continuously evaluated to ensure patient safety and how well the drug or device works. Before you agree to be part of a clinical trial, all potential benefits and risks will be explained. Ask questions before you agree to be sure you are comfortable with participating.

A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment given to a patient in place of an active medication or treatment (e.g., a sugar pill instead of a pill that treats a condition). Placebos are not given to patients in clinical trials without any other treatment. In a clinical trial, the standard treatment PLUS a placebo may be tested against the standard treatment PLUS a new treatment. Some participants receive the option that includes a placebo, while others receive the option that includes the new treatment.

There are four phases to clinical trials. Each phase looks for answers to a specific question and builds on what was learned in the previous phase. The four phases are:

Phase 1: Is the treatment safe?
Phase 2: Does the treatment work?
Phase 3: Is the treatment better than the standard?
Phase 4: What are the long-term effects of the treatment?

Before agreeing to participate in a clinical trial, you should understand which phase is being tested.

These benefits are all possible:

  • The new treatment may work better than the standard treatment.
  • The new treatment may only be available through the clinical trial.
  • The results of the trial may advance research and help future patients.
  • You’ll be monitored closely by an expert medical team.

These risk factors are all possible:

  • The new treatment may not be better than standard treatment.
  • The new treatment may not work for you, even if it works for other patients.
  • There may be side effects, both known and unknown.

The possible benefits and risks of a trial and the specific details about the trial are all included in the informed consent document. You’ll receive a copy of the document when you meet with the research team to discuss the trial. Your participation may include periodic tests and visits to evaluate your progress. The team will answer any questions you may have. If possible, bring a family member or friend to the meeting to take notes and ask questions you may not have considered.

Typically, the cost of your participation is covered by the study. The research team will go over the specifics before you sign up for a trial and will review any testing that will be billed to your insurance ahead of time. You will not be billed for any costs that are incurred because of the research that is taking place.

Your involvement in a clinical trial is voluntary. That means it is your right to leave a clinical trial at any time. But be sure to let the research team know in advance, as you may need to take steps to keep yourself safe during the withdrawal process.

You can learn more at:

ClinicalTrials.gov, where you can search for details about any trial. You also can learn more about what it’s like to participate in a clinical trial by clicking the “Study Basics” tab.

The research team at Michigan Institute of Urology is happy to chat with you via phone if you have a question about a trial you are considering. You can reach the team at 248-786-0467.