# Trial
Use trial commands to search and inspect clinical studies with oncology-focused filters.
## Trial command model
- `search trial` finds candidate studies.
- `get trial <NCT_ID>` retrieves a specific study.
- positional sections expand details.
## Search trials (default source)
ClinicalTrials.gov is the default source.
```bash
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --status recruiting --limit 5
```
Add intervention and phase filters:
```bash
biomcp search trial -c melanoma -i pembrolizumab --phase 3 --limit 5
```
Add biomarker filters:
```bash
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --mutation "BRAF V600E" --limit 5
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --biomarker BRAF --limit 5
```
Geographic filtering:
```bash
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --lat 42.36 --lon -71.06 --distance 50 --limit 5
```
When geo filters are set, the search query summary includes `lat`, `lon`, and `distance`.
Prior-therapy filters:
```bash
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --prior-therapies platinum --limit 5
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --line-of-therapy 2L --limit 5
```
## Search trials (NCI source)
Use NCI CTS when needed:
```bash
biomcp search trial -c melanoma --source nci --limit 5
```
For higher limits/reliability, set `NCI_API_KEY`.
## Get a trial by NCT ID
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665
```
The default response summarizes title, status, condition context, and source metadata.
## Request trial sections
Eligibility:
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665 eligibility
```
Locations:
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665 locations
```
Outcomes:
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665 outcomes
```
Arms/interventions:
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665 arms
```
References:
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665 references
```
All sections where supported:
```bash
biomcp get trial NCT02576665 all
```
## Downloaded text and cache
Large text blocks (for example, eligibility text) are cached in the BioMCP download area.
This keeps repeated lookups responsive.
## JSON mode
```bash
biomcp --json get trial NCT02576665
```
## Trial matching tips
- Start broad on condition, then add intervention and biomarker filters.
- Keep limits low while tuning search criteria.
- Use `eligibility` section only when you need raw criteria text.
## Related guides
- [How to find trials](../how-to/find-trials.md)
- [Disease](disease.md)
- [Drug](drug.md)
