What Is a clinical trial? A clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer, including testicular cancer.Does a clinical trial start before, during or after my cancer treatment?Clinical trials and their timeframe can vary. Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. Other trials test treatments for patients whose cancer has not gotten better. There are also clinical trials that test new ways to stop cancer from recurring, or clinical trials that can reduce the side effect of cancer treatment.Am I a candidate for any clinical trials? You very well could be a candidate, and it is best to talk with you doctor about the risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial. For references and more information about clinical trials please visit the NCI website.Source: Cancer.gov