Question 1

What is Ancora?

Accepted Answer

Ancora is a search tool that allows patients to look for relevant clinical trials in an easily searchable, personally tailored way. Ancora also provides resources to learn more about clinical trials and treatments.

Question 2

How do I find a trial?

Accepted Answer

You can use Ancora to search for clinical trials that might be suitable for you or your loved one. First fill in the four fields about the patient in question on the home page: the medical condition and age of the patient, and their location and willingness to travel. Then click “Find My Trials”. You can then view a list of search results.

Question 3

How do I make sure my results are as relevant as possible?

Accepted Answer

To narrow down the trials to those that are the most relevant for you, you can fill in some additional questions by clicking on the “questionnaire” link in the banner at the top of your results page. You can skip any questions that you are unsure about by clicking the arrows at the bottom of the screen. When you are done filling in the questionnaire, just click “Save and Return to Results” to see a shorter list of search results that are looking for patients fitting your profile.

Question 4

Do I need an  account to use Ancora?

Accepted Answer

You can use the basic aspects (search, results overview) of Ancora without registering as a user. However, registering will allow you to access the full functionality, i.e. you will be able to see details on each trial, apply to join a trial, and manage saved searches & selected trials in your dashboard.  Also remember that registering on Ancora is completely free!

Question 5

How do I find out more about my search results?

Accepted Answer

You can click on individual trials that appear in your search results list to read more about them, including whether they are looking for patients currently, the trial phase, what the treatment being tested is, and a description of the trial.

Question 6

How do I apply to join a trial?

Accepted Answer

If you find a trial that looks interesting or suitable for you, you can click on the “Put Me in Contact” button on the trial information page. If you enter your phone number and email address then someone from Ancora’s patient team will share your details with the trial site to begin the evaluation process. Keep in mind that Ancora or the trial site may need more information from you later to assess your eligibility fully. You should make sure your contact information and notification preferences are up to date in your Ancora dashboard so you won’t miss any alerts.

Question 7

How do I save a search?

Accepted Answer

When you receive a list of potential trials on your search results page, you can save the list by clicking the “Save Search” button at the top of the page. You can find your previous saved searches by clicking on your name on the top right of the Ancora website, selecting “Dashboard” and looking at “Bookmarks and Saved Searches”.

Question 8

How do I bookmark a trial?

Accepted Answer

If you find a trial that looks interesting or suitable for you and you want to save it so you can find it easily later, you can click on the bookmark icon on the top right of the trial page. You can find the trial again later by clicking on your name on the top right of the Ancora website, selecting “Dashboard” and looking at “Bookmarks and Saved Searches”.

Question 9

How do I share a trial with someone else?

Accepted Answer

If you want to share the details of a trial you have found through Ancora with someone else, click on the share icon on the top right of the trial page. You can add a short message along with the email address of the person you would like to send the trial details to.

Question 10

How do I see my progress with my trial application?

Accepted Answer

Once you have asked Ancora to put you in contact with a specific trial, you can view the progress of this process in the “My Trials” section of your dashboard (click on your name on the top right of the Ancora page and select “Dashboard”). We will keep you updated every step of the way. Make sure you have adjusted your preferences in the “Notifications” section of your dashboard so you won’t miss any trial application alerts.

Question 11

Can I adjust my email notifications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can opt in to receive more or fewer alerts from Ancora by going to your dashboard (click on your name on the top right of the Ancora page and select “Dashboard”). Click on “Notifications” to change your preferences.

Question 12

How do I change my password?

Accepted Answer

If you registered with an email address, you can update your password by going to “My Profile” in your dashboard and scrolling down to the “Account Settings” section. If you registered using your Facebook or Google credentials, you will have to change your password on their respective sites.

Question 13

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

You can delete your account by going to “My Profile” in your dashboard and clicking on “Delete Account”.

Question 14

What are clinical trials?

Accepted Answer

A clinical trial is a study of a new medication, protocol or device to evaluate whether it is safe and effective. Data from clinical trials is used to decide whether treatments are approved for use outside of research settings. Clinical trials are important to the discovery, development and approval of prescription and therapeutic drugs.

Question 15

Are clinical trials free?

Accepted Answer

Typically, clinical trials are free for participating patients. However, you may have to pay some costs depending on the trial and your insurance. Generally, the cost of the treatment or intervention being studied is paid for by the trial sponsor.

Question 16

Will I receive a placebo if I sign up for a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Some trials use a placebo, a substance without therapeutic value, as a way to compare the effect of the study drug against what happens when patients do not receive an active medication. However, many studies use an active control. This is when one group of patients receives the standard of care treatment and this group is compared to a group receiving the new treatment. For example, most cancer studies use active control design and so each participant will get a treatment- either the new treatment or the standard of care for the condition.

Question 17

Can I quit a clinical trial after starting?

Accepted Answer

It is important to know that patients can withdraw consent and stop participating in a clinical trial at any time, for any reason.

Question 18

Who can take part in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Each trial has eligibility criteria published in the listing based on medical history, diagnosis, and other factors. Ancora will show you potential trial matches based on your profile details and the trial's eligibility criteria.

Question 19

How is my safety protected when I join a trial?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trial sponsors are required to inform patients about the risks and benefits of a trial. You will receive an informed consent document with detailed information about the trial, including any potential risks. You can ask questions at any time and you can also stop participating in the trial at any time and for any reason. Trials are strictly regulated by law and by research ethics to protect your safety as much as possible.

FAQ

Learn More About Clinical Trials

At Ancora, we are dedicated to raising awareness about clinical trials.

Ancora

Clinical Trials