Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Clinical trials for mesothelioma are studies of the safety and effectiveness of new drugs to treat mesothelioma - mostly chemotherapy drugs. These drugs are being evaluated in hopes of finding a cure for mesothelioma. Clinical trials are conducted on mesothelioma patients to determine if a treatment works, if it is more effective than current treatments, if the side effects are too severe, and to determine which patients may benefit the most from the treatment.

There are usually 15 to 20 active mesothelioma clinical trials being investigated around the world at any one time. More than half of these clinical trials take place in the United States. Ask your doctor about the ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials that you may be eligible for.

There are potential benefits and risks to all clinical trials.

Potential Benefits

• Care is provided at top-notch facilities by doctors who are leaders in the field of cancer research.
• Doctors and nurses with expertise in treating mesothelioma closely monitor you for side effects and changes in your condition,
• Access to the new drug before it is readily available.
• Standard mesothelioma treatments have not proven effective, so you may not have much to lose.
• Because of your condition, you may not qualify for certain standard treatments for mesothelioma, such as surgery.
• Part of the cost of treating your mesothelioma may be free.
• An opportunity to make a valuable contribution to cancer research.
• A proactive role in your own health care.
• Studies have shown that mesothelioma patients who participate in clincial trials tend to live longer and receive better care than those who do not partcipate.

Potential Risks

• The new drug might not be as effective as the current standard of treatment.
• The new drug may have unknown side effects.
• Even though some people in a clinical trial show response to a new drug, it may not be effective for you.
• The cancer center may not be near your home, so you may have the expense and inconvenience of traveling to receive treatment and routine tests.