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Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies of the effectiveness and safety of new drugs being tested on humans. For mesothelioma and asbestosis, trials are being conducted to find a better and more effective means of treatment for the diseases. Anyone interested in participating in a clinical trial should thoroughly discuss the trial with their doctor before a making a decision on whether or not to participate.
All clinical trials carry potential benefits and risks, and it is extremely important that you have a complete understanding of what you can and cannot 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 a new drug before it is widely available for treatment, however, the new drug may ultimately be proven less effective than the “standard” care a patient might receive.
Eligibility requirements for clinical trials are not all the same. Each study has a set of specific guidelines that detail whether a patient is eligible. Some trials allow participation after other treatments have been unsuccessful, while others require that the patients involved have no prior treatment. Your physician should be able to advise you which trial might be the best match in your particular case.
Some clinical trials are “randomized”, meaning the new treatment is compared with the current standard of treatment. Depending on which side of the protocol the patient is assigned to, he/she may receive the new treatment or the standard. You should be informed of this in advance by the doctor conducting the trial. Placebos (pills that have no active ingredients) are rarely used in cancer treatment trials.