In a double-blind study, no one knows which patients are getting the agent that is being tested. For example, if a new agent to treat mesothelioma is being tested against Alimta, half the patients will get the new agent, and half the Alimta. Neither the doctors administering the medication nor the patients getting it will know which agent they are getting until after the trial is finished. This is done to eliminate bias and prejudice that might affect the results if the participants were aware of what they were getting.
Dr. Kaplan
