Pleural mesothelioma has a 73% chance of survival after one year. This rate drops as the cancer advances. Reports indicate 12% of patients live beyond five years. Mesothelioma primarily affects the thin layer of tissue that covers several key organs called the mesothelium. This cancer is often associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos.
Unfortunately, clinical researchers haven’t found a cure for mesothelioma yet. Treatment aims to control the symptoms. If you’ve just learned you have mesothelioma, looking into clinical trials for mesothelioma can open up new treatment possibilities. These trials test new therapies you might not find in regular care.
This article will give you an overview of these clinical trials and how they help mesothelioma victims cope with their situation.
What Are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are fundamental to the development of new drugs and treatments for various diseases since they provide solid empirical data that can be used by medical researchers. The data collected promotes scientific accuracy and patient safety. As a research subject, participating in these trials means you readily contribute to innovations in medicine, particularly in the field of cancer research.
In clinical trials, doctors do many tests to find methods or approaches that improve results for diseases such as mesothelioma. A patient can get experimental treatments not yet at big treatment places if they join a clinical trial.
Participation in clinical trials sets up research for patients later. Before a person joins the trial, they should ask about the study’s goals. They should also state their expectations about the process. Research subjects should be informed about any possible risks involved in the trial ahead of time.
Discuss in detail with your healthcare provider if your decision to join the clinical trial benefits your condition and aligns with your treatment goals.
Types of Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma
Clinical studies about mesothelioma are mostly aimed at giving mesothelioma victims another chance.
Conducting several clinical trials may result in the creation of new drugs, therapies, or combinations of treatments that can address the complications of mesothelioma. Medical research could lead to better options for patients.
Clinical trials serve different purposes. Tests to diagnose aim to uncover new and improved ways to spot mesothelioma. Preventive clinical trials seek to lower the chances of getting this disease.
Join supportive care studies if you want to help in the development of new approaches to handling side effects and symptoms in people with mesothelioma. Each kind of study gives useful insights and boosts our knowledge of mesothelioma, helping doctors to understand the disease better.
To figure out what’s best for you, you should talk it over with your doctor.
How to Find Clinical Trials
Inquire about any ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials from your cancer doctor. You will undergo a complete checkup facilitated by your doctor before being sent to researchers who facilitate the clinical trials.
Use criteria like your location or trial duration to speed up your clinical trial search. You can also use specific eligibility requirements on sites like ClinicalTrials.gov. Try to contact mesothelioma foundations. These groups often give patients an updated list of available mesothelioma clinical trials.
Your local schools and cancer treatment centers can also be a source of information with regard to available clinical trials. Sometimes, these groups conduct their own trials. Check their websites or call them for more information. Mesothelioma patients can find support from these groups. Sharing your stories and experiences through social networks or forums will help create a sense of community.
What to Expect During a Clinical Trial
Once you’ve found a clinical trial that fits your needs, it’s a good idea to know what to expect.
Expect to undergo qualification screenings to check if you are eligible for the program. You will take various tests and assessments during this phase. Once you successfully finish these tests, you’ll get a rundown of the trial, including its risks and benefits.
The trial will have you go through appointments for treatment, monitoring tests, and evaluations. You will also need to complete paperwork about your health. Provide a detailed account of any side effects you have experienced during the trial.
Inquire with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the trial. You can always back out of the trial any time. You can pursue legal action if you are coerced or intimidated to continue without your consent.
Understanding your rights as a research subject helps you complete the process safely and properly.
The Importance of Clinical Trials in Mesothelioma Treatment
New clinical trials facilitate progress in mesothelioma treatment. Research aimed at developing treatments for mesothelioma gives the scientists insight into which methods are effective and which are not.
Such trials examine various drugs, drug combinations, or delivery approaches to see their effect on survival and quality of life.
Don’t worry if you decide to take part in a clinical trial. Your physician would follow your treatment and provide comforting words throughout the process.
Simply being in a clinical trial helps you take charge and advocate for yourself and for others.
