MESOTHELIOMA CLINICAL TRIALS
NEW! The Mesothelioma Center at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University is recruiting patients for a new clinical trial on treatment of mesothelioma with targeted radiation an chemotherapy. This multimodality treatment is an innovative approach led by oncologist Dr. Robert Taub. Click here to learn more.
CLINICAL TRIAL BASICS
Clinical trials are studies of the safety and/or effectiveness of new drugs being tested on humans. For mesothelioma, trials are being conducted to find a better and more effective means of treatment. Anyone interested in participating in a clinical trial should discuss the particular trial thoroughly with their doctor before a making a decision on whether it is right for them.
All clinical trials carry potential benefits and risks, and it is important that you have a complete understanding of what you might expect. For instance, since clinical trials are often conducted at larger cancer centers, in many cases, travel may be necessary to receive treatment and routine tests. On the other hand, care is provided at top-notch facilities by physicians who are leaders in the field of cancer research. Another benefit would be having access to the new drug before it is widely available, however, the new drug may ultimately be proven not as effective as the “standard” of care.
Eligibility requirements for clinical trials are not the same; each study has specific guidelines to participate. Some trials allow participation after other treatments have failed, while others require that the patient have no prior treatment. Your doctor should be able to advise you which trial might be the best fit in your particular case.
Some treatment trials are “randomized”, meaning the new treatment is compared with a current standard of treatment. Depending on which arm of the protocol you are assigned, you may receive the new treatment or the standard. You should be informed in advance of this eventuality by the doctor conducting the trial. Placebos (pills that contain no active ingredient) are rarely used in cancer trials.
For more information on the terminology associated with clinical trials, visit our clinical trial glossary.
TRIAL PHASES
Though mesothelioma has no cure, there are clinical trials currently underway to test new drugs and procedures in the fight against the disease. All clinical trials or studies are divided into different phases:
Phase I trials usually enroll only a small number of people and test how new drugs or procedures should be administered. Click here for an in-depth description of Phase I trials.
Phase II trials give early information about whether or not a new drug or procedure works and also provide information about safety and benefit. Click here for an in-depth description of Phase II trials.
Phase III trials compare promising new drugs or procedures with the current standard treatment. Large numbers of people from across the nation usually participate in Phase III trials and receive either the new treatment or the standard treatment. Click here for an in-depth description of Phase III trials.
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