A Clinical Trial May Offer a Better Treatment for Your Mesothelioma

If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, you could consider treatment through a clinical trial. It’s a possible treatment that’s made it through initial testing, and now patients are trying it to determine if it’s safe to use and or how effective it is. You run the risk the outcome may be worse than standard treatment, but it could also be better.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that’s caused by asbestos fibers in the body. It develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue lining many of our internal organs. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lining of the lungs. Other types of asbestos-related mesothelioma develop in the linings of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

What is a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials are research studies testing how well new approaches work in people, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Why Are There Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials test new methods to discover, prevent, and treat cancer. They can help healthcare professionals improve cancer survivors’ quality of life by testing ways to improve managing mesothelioma and its treatments’ side effects. 

What Types of Clinical Trials Are There?

Most are treatment studies involving cancer patients. These trials test new remedies or new ways to use existing treatments. They can include:

• Vaccines
• Drugs
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Combinations of treatments

An increasing area of interest is genetic changes leading to cancer (in mesothelioma, they’re triggered by the presence of asbestos fibers and the immune system’s response to them) and treatments targeting these changes.

Treatment trials attempt to determine the following:

• If a new treatment is a cure
• The safe dosage
• The best way to administer treatment
• Whether a new treatment results in a longer lifespan than standard treatment
• Whether tumors shrink or their growth and spread slow
• The new treatment’s side effects and whether there’s an improved quality of life for patients
• Whether a new treatment delays the cancer’s return

Clinical trials also cover cancer prevention, screening, and supportive/palliative care. Clinical trials have qualifications that participants must meet. You may need to have a specific type or stage of mesothelioma and have, or not have, a given kind of treatment history.

Should I Join a Clinical Trial?

You should talk to your oncologist about clinical trials. They may know of one that could be good for you. You can also use this NCI web page to find trials that fit your needs. This is a personal decision requiring careful consideration.

Participants may benefit in many ways:

• Access to potentially better treatment: Clinical trials often offer access to innovative therapies that are unavailable to others. These treatments may be more effective than standard approaches, or they may have fewer side effects
• Contributing to scientific advancement: You would play a crucial role in advancing mesothelioma research and development. The data collected from trials helps researchers understand the effectiveness and safety of new treatments, paving the way for improved options for future patients
• Enhanced monitoring and care: Participants usually receive close monitoring and care from a team of healthcare professionals. This may include more frequent check-ups, additional tests, and access to specialists, which can provide improved peace of mind and a sense of control over your treatment
• Potential for improved outcomes: There are no guarantees, but you may achieve a better personal outcome compared to standard treatments

There are also potential drawbacks:

• Risks and side effects: The therapy being tested is under investigation, so the risks of using it or its side effects are unknown. You should discuss these issues with the oncologists running the trial so you understand what might happen, so you can make an informed decision on whether to participate or not
• Effectiveness uncertainty: The new treatment you receive may not be as effective as standard treatments
• Time commitment: Clinical trials often require more time than standard treatment, including frequent visits, tests, and follow-up procedures
• Distance: A trial that’s a good match for you may be far from your home. You’ll need to decide if you can handle the travel and the related costs in time and money
• Cost: The organization sponsoring the clinical trial should pay for this treatment and related care. Health insurance won’t pay for experimental treatments but may pay for some follow-up care. Get a complete understanding of the potential costs and how you can pay for them before consenting to a clinical trial

Before joining a clinical trial, thoroughly discuss it with your oncologist so you know what you’re getting yourself into and make a decision.

If You Have Mesothelioma, Call Us Today for A Free Consultation

If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may receive compensation from companies whose asbestos products you were exposed to or from trust funds if they’re bankrupt. You can call our Louisville office at 855-385-9532 and write to us using our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.