Clinical trials are an attractive alternative for many mesothelioma patients.  This is often the case for those who have been given a short prognosis, been diagnosed in the late stages of the disease or for those patients who prefer less invasive treatment options.  These clinical trials offer mesothelioma patients access to cutting edge technology/treatment and also provide hope when other treatments have been unsuccessful.  In addition, many of my clients have voiced that participating in these clinical trials allows them to help future victims of mesothelioma.

Before becoming part of a clinical trial I advise my clients to understand what a clinical trial is, the benefits, and the risks involved. Ask questions and consult your treatment provider in regard to the specific trial.  Discuss the trial and what it could mean to you with your family and close friends.

A clinical trial that has been getting attention lately is MORAb-009.  This study focuses on the use of MORAb-009 monoclonal antibody with current chemotherapy drugs pemetrexed and cisplatinum.  The goal of this trial is to determine if using MORAb-009 as a combination therapy with the current standard of care provides better results than using the standard of care by itself.  The researchers hope this trial will show slowed or stopped progression of the mesothelioma disease,  safety of the drug and anti-tumor effects of the drug.  A detailed description of the study can be found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140835.php .

I encourage anyone suffering from mesothelioma or other cancers to explore all their treatment options including clinical trials.   Below are resources for more information about clinical trials and mesothelioma trials currently in progress.

National Institute of Health (NIH)

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Center Watch (http://search.centerwatch.com/default.aspx?SearchQuery=mesothelioma)