Malignant mesothelioma clinical trials are an option if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this serious disease. A common misconception says only those people with no other options remaining can participate in a trial. On the contrary, there are trials for people in all stages of the disease.
What are clinical trials?
Before any humans are used in a trial, many years of research have gone into the effects of the treatment – in the lab and on animals. Researchers want to know the effect on the cancer cells and if there may be side effects. Once they think they have a possible treatment, it’s time to involve people in the trial to truly know if this is a treatment worthy of further development.
Each trial is planned in detail by a highly trained expert before anything happens. Why conduct this trial? Who can participate in the trial? How many people? Explicit directions on the drug used, the dose, the timing, and other treatments that may be involved are created. There will also be a plan for all tests that will be performed and the interval between tests. Another important component is to know details about the people taking part and what information will be gathered from them.
Why conduct clinical trials?
It is a fact that many lives have been saved, or lifespans increased, due to the knowledge gained in clinical trials. Not only do trials test the effectiveness of the new drug or treatment, but also the safety. Past trials have found new ways to detect and prevent cancer.
When you, or a loved one, participate in a clinical trial, you are adding to the knowledge that may help you, but may also add to the arsenal of weapons to fight cancer for other patients. Clinical trials are vital for the advancement and future elimination of cancer.
Where are current malignant mesothelioma trials?
There are currently 38 trials specifically geared toward treatment of malignant mesothelioma supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI.) Click here for the list.
Talk to your doctor to determine if any are right for you.
