Clinical Trials
What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
- Standard treatments for mesothelioma have not proved very effective, so you may not have much to lose.
- You may not qualify for certain standard treatments for mesothelioma, such as surgery, because of your condition.
- During the trials, doctors and nurses with expertise in treating mesothelioma will closely monitor your health for side effects and changes in your condition.
- Part of the cost of treating your mesothelioma may be free.
- Personal satisfaction in advancing the treatment of mesothelioma and, some day, in the development of a cure.
While strong efforts are made to ensure the safety of persons participating in clinical trials, some risks remain. As with all possible treatments of mesothelioma, discuss the risks with your doctor before you decide to participate.
Also, before you begin a mesothelioma clinical trial, you will be required to sign an informed consent form. By signing this document, you are stating that a healthcare provider has explained the risks and benefits associated with the mesothelioma treatment, and that you have agreed to the participation.
Some of the questions you might ask your doctor:
- What does the mesothelioma trial hope to accomplish?
- What are the chances of successfully treating my mesothelioma using standard therapies?
- What side effects are expected, and are these worse than standard treatments of mesothelioma?
- How long will the mesothelioma trial last?
- What company or university is sponsoring the mesothelioma trial?
- What will I have to pay for the mesothelioma treatment?
- Will participating prevent me from being treated with other mesothelioma therapies?
Finding out about ongoing clinical trials
You should be able to obtain information from the doctor treating you for mesothelioma.
Also, call 1-800-362-1479 for an updated list of clinical trials, or send us an email requesting a list of mesothelioma clinical trials.