How do you clearly communicate to parents that the main purpose of a phase I trial is to find the best dose of a new drug with the fewest side effects rather than treating the patient's cancer?  

Just with any communication, check first to see what their understanding is. Then, see if they are ready to hear what you have to say. Say it and then have them repeat it. When discussing trials, this conversation occurs over more than once. At the first conversation, one may be trying to lay out o...