Most oncologists (cancer doctors) specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma will be aware of the clinical trials that are in process or about to get underway and that are seeking patients who are fighting mesothelioma.
If you are a candidate, you should know that there are basically 4 types of clinical trials:
- Treatment trials - testing new approaches to cancer treatment, be it a drug, radiation therapy, multi-modal therapy, or a totally new treatment procedure.
- Prevention trials – testing new approaches to lowering the risk of developing a certain kind of cancer.
- Screening trials – testing new ways to detect cancer, particularly in its early stages. These are important trials in the field of mesothelioma, which is usually diagnosed in its late stages.
- Supportive care trials – testing ways to improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients, often referred to as palliative treatments.
Patients can be involved in various phases of a trial:
- Phase I helps determine how a new drug should be given and attempts to measure safe dosage. This phase generally involves only a handful of volunteers.
- Phase II trials usually focus on one particular type of cancer and are used to test the safety of the drug and how well it works in combating a particular cancer.
- Phase III trials test new drugs or treatments in comparison with the current standard. In a process called randomization, the participant will be assigned to the standard group or the new drug/treatment group. Phase III trials are the largest and may often involve doctors and hospitals throughout the country.
Your doctor can best determine if you are a candidate for any ongoing trials and will take the responsibility of submitting the proper paperwork for consideration. Don’t be afraid to ask about participation in any type of clinical trials or inquire about one of which you may be aware.
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