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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010

Finding a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial

A mesothelioma clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and specific research process. Studies are conducted with mesothelioma patients to determine whether a new approach to prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment is safe and effective. Clinical trials are used to help doctors and pharmaceutical companies find new mesothelioma treatments that can improve a patient’s health and his survival rate.

Pleural Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and is most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called the mesothelium. Peritoneal mesothelioma, also caused by asbestos exposure, affects the lining of the abdomen. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, it can be treated with varying degrees of success through the use of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation.

When determining whether a clinical trial is a good option for you, there are many questions you should ask your physician as well as those conducting the trial. The Spring 2010 issue of Caring4Cancer suggests the following:

  • What is the purpose of the trial?
  • How will I benefit?
  • What are the potential risks?
  • What tests and procedures are involved?
  • Do I have to change doctors to participate in the trial?
  • How will I learn the results of the study?

If you find a clinical trial that you believe will benefit you, talk to your doctor.  For a complete list of current mesothelioma clinical trials see ClinicalTrials.gov.