The unexpected benefits of joining a clinical trial (PEARLS)

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Bristol in the autumn of 2025. My treatment plan included 20 radiotherapy sessions over Christmas and the New Year, alongside a three-year course of hormone treatment (Decapeptyl), which I am now six months into. The radiotherapy went smoothly, and the hormone treatment is manageable so far.

When first diagnosed, I knew almost nothing about prostate cancer or radiotherapy. I was asked to join the PEARLS trial (Cancer Research UK | A trial of intensity modulated radiotherapy to treat prostate cancer (PEARLS)), which tests increased radiation levels. I was initially sceptical, but ultimately signed up and was randomly assigned to the control group (standard radiation).

My reason for posting is to share the unexpected positive side of being in a trial, regardless of which group you are placed in.

The "cost" to me has been low: filling out quality-of-life questionnaires, a few extra PSA blood tests at my GP, and additional phone interviews post-radiotherapy.

The benefit, however, has heavily outweighed that effort. The trial protocols mean I’ve had multiple extra discussions while waiting for radiotherapy, and follow-up interviews focusing on how I am feeling. This has given me dedicated time to ask questions and discuss my progress, a level of access, attention, and reassurance I don’t think I would have had if I was not on the trial.

If you are offered a spot in a trial and feel hesitant, my experience has been that the extra monitoring and communication alone are highly valuable. I am very pleased I said yes.