Clinical trials play an important role in the development of new medicines and treatments with many people affected by serious diseases wanting to consider their options as to whether they might benefit from getting involved.
What is involved?
The clinical trial process is devised to test a new drug or treatment once it has shown initial promise under laboratory study conditions.
The principal appointed investigator for the trial is normally a doctor, who takes on the role of preparing a plan and outlining their reasons for the study. Every doctor or research center that participates in the trial will use the same protocol to ensure consistency is obtained in the treatment application and results.
Many of the mesothelioma clinical trials are sponsored by organizations or individuals with a vested interest in the outcome and a desire to seek better treatments for a cancer like mesothelioma.
The National Cancer Institute sponsors many clinical trials that span over a thousand different sites and involve many thousands of investigators. Some notable participating programs include the Community Clinical Oncology Program and a Cancer Centers Program that involves a number of research-oriented institutions at a number of different centers spread around the country.
Clinical trials for mesothelioma
The main purpose of clinical trials in relation to mesothelioma is to find a better and more effective treatment of the disease than is currently available.
Any type of clinical trial will have certain risks and benefits to consider. Gain as much information about your condition and the trials that you would like to get involved in, so you can make an informed decision if you are invited and accepted to participate.
Many clinical trials are conducted at research centers and it will probably involve you having to travel to the nearest location to receive the treatment and partake in the routine tests.
You will likely benefit from the excellent facilities on and be under the guidance of a leading physician in their field.
Although you will be gaining access to a new drug that is not yet commercially available, consider the prospect that it might not prove to be as effective as the current standard treatment, or it could be shown to be better.
Three phases
There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma, but the purpose of clinical trials is to identify the suitability of new drugs and procedures in the fight against the disease.
Every clinical trial will be divided into different phases, and there are normally three distinct trial phases. The first phase of a trial often only enrolls a small number of participants to test how the new drugs or procedures.
The second phase uses the information gleaned from the first phase to confirm if the drug or procedure works and gathers information regarding their safety and potential benefits. The third phase of clinical trials will involve a large number of people who will be used to compare the promise of the new drugs being tested against the current standard treatment.
Eligibility for mesothelioma trials are often dependant on a number of different criteria, so make some enquiries through the various support channels once you have decided if you want to get involved.
Katie Johnson has a diverse background in PR, journalism and digital marketing. She is focused on creating a unique community for family, friends or those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease.
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