Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

What Are Mesothelioma Clinical Trials?

Mesothelioma clinical trials are specialized research programs that test new therapies for safety and effectiveness. Researchers use clinical trials to investigate treatment benefits, improve screening and diagnosis methods, and uncover new disease prevention methods.

Cancer research trials can last several months to years and go through many phases. Once recruitment starts, enrollment may be paused or canceled. During these checkpoints, researchers analyze the data. If the benefits don’t outweigh the risks of treatment, the study sponsor may suspend or terminate the study early.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Actively Recruiting Patients

As of early 2024, more than 70 clinical trials across the U.S. are recruiting patients with mesothelioma malignancy. Our Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center can help match you with clinical trials based on your diagnosis and where you live.

Active Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma clinical trials span many treatment options, including emerging treatments such as gene therapy and vaccine therapy, advancements in immunotherapy, surgical procedures and new chemotherapy approaches. Testing new combinations of techniques helps researchers find new or improved methods of treating mesothelioma that offer significant benefits without substantial risk.

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How Do I Enroll in a Clinical Trial for Mesothelioma?

You can enroll in a mesothelioma clinical trial with help from our Patient Advocates or your doctor. Mesothelioma specialists generally know which clinical trials their patients may be eligible to join. Cancer centers and clinics participating in research trials typically have staff dedicated to running clinical trials. 

If you meet eligibility requirements, a research coordinator may contact you. Every mesothelioma clinical trial has specific criteria for who is eligible to participate. Some trials are only for patients who have yet to be treated or have metastatic disease, while others are for those who didn’t respond well to standard treatments.

Along with eligibility requirements, frequent blood and imaging tests are a standard part of clinical trials. These extra precautions ensure that you’re eligible for the study and that the experimental treatment won’t cause additional harm.

After you talk to your mesothelioma doctor or a Patient Advocate, take the time to determine the trials that most appeal to you. Review and discuss the research trial information with your family. Ask your doctor as many questions as necessary to understand the risks and benefits of the trial. Once you decide, your medical team will help you begin the screening process.

How Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Can Help Patients

Mesothelioma patients may benefit from new emerging treatments or advanced approaches tested in clinical trials. Trials may help improve their prognosis and quality of life. These therapies may not be available through standard treatment options, making clinical trials a valuable resource for mesothelioma patients.

Experimental drugs, for example, can provide a targeted approach to treating cancer. These drugs target specific proteins or pathways in cancer cells, attacking specific pathways involved in tumor growth and spread. 

Clinical trials may offer patients the chance to receive a combination of experimental therapies. Some of these combinations have proven effective in early studies. This approach can be particularly beneficial for mesothelioma patients, as a multimodal therapeutic approach often yields the best outcomes when treating this cancer.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Improve Survival

Sometimes, a mesothelioma clinical trial results in a breakthrough, which can change the way doctors approach cancer treatment. For example, research studies led to FDA approval of the first mesothelioma chemotherapy option and the more recent Tumor-Treating Fields. The trial results that led to FDA approval showed improved overall survival over 6 months.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, successful clinical trial therapies improve survival rates and quality of life. Many mesothelioma trials struggle to get enough participants to test a new drug or treatment. Joining a trial helps researchers get closer to developing a cure for mesothelioma.

Are Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Safe?

Clinical trials for mesothelioma always involve certain risks. The experimental treatment may not be as effective as anticipated, and you could experience unexpected side effects that harm your health.

A mesothelioma clinical trial can last weeks, months or years, depending on the trial’s goal, the number of patients involved and the results. During this time, doctors and researchers work to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Clinical trials go through multiple phases to ensure a new treatment is safe and effective for a large population.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Participating

Getting answers before enrolling is critical. Take notes when you meet with your doctor. It’s important to understand the details and purpose of the mesothelioma clinical trial.

Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you or your loved ones may have. Follow up with your doctor’s office or clinical trial staff if you think of other questions or need clarification to help you decide if participating in a clinical trial is best for you.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

How do I find out about mesothelioma clinical trials?

You can learn more about mesothelioma clinical trials from your doctor and at ClinicalTrials.gov. A Patient Advocate can also help you find available clinical trials that match your specific diagnosis.

Will I have to pay to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial?

Many clinical trials cover all or part of the therapies used in clinical trials, but each trial varies. Health insurance often covers specific treatments, such as traditional chemotherapy.

Are placebos used in cancer clinical trials?

Placebos are not common, but they are sometimes used in cancer trials in combination with conventional treatment, experimental treatments or when no conventional treatment exists. Researchers are never allowed to withhold necessary medical care intentionally. Participating in a clinical trial will benefit you with high-quality medical care.

Can I withdraw from a mesothelioma clinical trial?

Yes, it’s always a patient’s right to withdraw from a clinical trial. Patients should provide “written informed consent” before participating in a clinical trial. The trial documentation should describe the right to cancel and how to withdraw. It may be most helpful for research if someone who withdraws from the trial treatment and tests continues to allow follow-up, for example, of side effects and length of life.

Answered By: Anna Nowak, internationally renowned asbestos researcher and mesothelioma advocate

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