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Mesothelioma Research

Even though mesothelioma has been around for quite some time, doctors and research scientists have only just begun to receive the proper funds they need for testing experimental treatments. This is primarily because mesothelioma is extremely rare in comparison to other forms of cancer. Historically, research dollars have been sparse when it comes to allocating money specifically for the study of asbestos-related disease.

New Funds

As the rate of people diagnosed with mesothelioma increases, more medical professionals will begin to rally politicians at the national level for help in obtaining funds for mesothelioma research. This is especially true in locales that have been hit hard by the disease. In some of these places, such as Libby, Montana, special research facilities have been built to accommodate individuals who can study the disease and provide cutting edge treatment for its victims. Many of these facilities also provide onsite clinics for local mesothelioma patients.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated $50 million in funding for mesothelioma research, making it a "research priority" for the first time ever. The funds have been made available to research facilities throughout the country and researchers are eligible to receive between $625,000 and $2.5 million for their studies. The money originated from the Department of Defense because the disease has been extremely military-relevant. Many veterans have been affected by mesothelioma due to the abundance of asbestos used by the U.S. armed forces.

Clinical Trials

One of the most efficient ways to tackle research for any disease is to conduct clinical trials, which involve those afflicted with the disease. Clinical trials are often performed to test new drugs, treatments, and therapies for patients. However, before a clinical trial involves human participants, the drug or treatment must be strenuously tested in a laboratory. Then, when it meets federally-imposed guidelines for use on humans, it is deemed safe for trial with men and women who have a particular disease.

Mesothelioma clinical trials are commonly available to patients. Most oncologists, especially those who specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma, will be well-versed on what is available and can easily determine who qualifies for what trial. The following discusses some of the benefits for undergoing a clinical trial:

• Clinical trials can test new forms of traditional treatments, such as new chemotherapy drugs or new ways to deliver radiation to the affected area of the body. New drugs with fewer side effects have emerged triumphant from several clinical trials in the past. In fact, some mesothelioma patients have seen an improvement in life span and quality of life through clinical trials.
• Some clinical trials address other potential treatments outside the traditional, including immunotherapy or gene therapy. Those who participate in these trials must be willing to try something that isn't quite yet proven to help. Nonetheless, most agree that participating in such clinical trials is worth a try.
• Other clinical trials for mesothelioma research may include new ways to detect the disease before it reaches Stage III or IV. Such clinical trials may be conducted with individuals who do not yet have the disease, but are at high risk for developing it.

As more and more individuals dealing with mesothelioma begin to rally for better research, funds will continue to pour in for this disease. In the past, most cases of mesothelioma have responded poorly to existing cancer treatments. Patients and their families can help by contacting local or national politicians by letter, email, or in person, requesting additional funding for research of this aggressive disease.

Sources:

1. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Clinical_Trials_29.asp?sitearea=
2. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma
3. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/medical_community/case_studies/
4. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
5. Parker, J. and Parker, P. Mesothelioma. ICON Health Publications: San Diego. 2004.

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Select... Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis Severe Asbestosis Unknown

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