Maximum tolerated dose
The highest amount that can be given before side effects become unacceptable.
Learning
What it means
The maximum tolerated dose is the largest amount of a treatment that people can receive without side effects that are judged too severe to continue.
Why it matters if you take part
It is a common goal of early-phase studies and is a safety measure, not a measure of how well the treatment works.
Related terms
This explains how clinical research works. It is not medical advice and does not describe any specific condition or treatment. Only a trial site can determine whether someone can take part in a study.