Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma clinical trials are evaluating new forms of treatment in the hopes of a cure. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments for safety and efficiency. There are no guarantees that any treatment offered through clinical trials will work and because the treatments are in trial stages there are some risks. Clinical trials are not performed unless the treatment is believed to have some value.
What Is A Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial for Mesothelioma is a research study used for evaluating treatments for effectiveness of treating the disease, as well as the safety of the treatment in question. Most clinical trials are conducted by a university-affiliated hospital.
What Are The Benefits of Clinical Trials?
Since the patient may not qualify for other commonly used procedures such as surgery due to the patient’s condition, it may be a situation in which the patient has nothing to lose in participating in the clinical trial. The patient is closely monitored by doctors and nurses with expertise in treating Mesothelioma for side-effects and changes in the patient's condition. The patient may find personal satisfaction in knowing that they are helping the advancement of treatment for Mesothelioma and the chance of a cure increases with each trial in which they are a participant.
What Are The Risks Involved?
Although strong efforts are made to ensure safety of any person participating in clinical trials, some risk does remain. All treatments, whether common or new are being tested in clinical trials; they should be discussed with the doctor prior to having them performed.
Before beginning a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial, the patient will be required to sign a informed consent form. When the patient signs this document they are stating that a healthcare provider has explained the risks involved and the benefits associated with the Mesothelioma treatment. By signing this form the patient is stating that they have agreed to participate with the risks acknowledged.
Some Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What accomplishment does this Mesothelioma clinical trial wish to target?
- What are the chances my Mesothelioma can be treated successfully with standard therapies?
- Are there any side-effects and if so will they be worse than standard treatment side-effects?
- How long does the Mesothelioma clinical trial last?
- Which company or university is sponsoring this Mesothelioma clinical trial?
- What will I have to pay for this clinical trial?
- If I participate, will this prevent me from being treated with other Mesothelioma treatments?
How Do I Find Out About Ongoing Clinical Trials?
Your doctor should have information about ongoing clinical trials pertaining to Mesothelioma. You may also call 1-800 747-4060 to obtain an updated list of clinical trials.
