Clinical Trials May be an Underused Treatment Resource for Many Mesothelioma Patients

Mesothelioma is an incurable and aggressive cancer that has long been a difficult cancer to treat. Although patients suffering from the disease are typically treated with a multi-modal approach involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and most recently immunotherapy drugs, mesothelioma often develops resistance. This, unfortunately, is the reason why mesothelioma patients still face very low survival rates. But there is a way for asbestos cancer patients to actively take part in the advancement of mesothelioma treatment.

The National Institute of Health reports that clinical trials are the basis for all medical advances and serve to better treat and prevent diseases such as mesothelioma. Medical researchers throughout the country are employing clinical trials to find ways to better treat mesothelioma and obtain critical information to progress mesothelioma care. There are multiple clinical trials going on throughout the U.S and internationally in 182 countries. A mesothelioma patient who would like to partake in clinical trials should visit www.clinicaltrials.gov to view the national registry of trials. Here, you will find a complete listing of both private and federally funded trials in your state.

Presently, over 50 open studies are being conducted internationally on malignant mesothelioma. Medical researchers are in need of more mesothelioma patients to participate in these trials. According to a recent poll, less than 5 percent of people living with cancer in the U.S choose to participate in clinical trials. Medical researchers need more volunteers to keep advancing treatment and care methods.

Often, this is because a patient or his or her family members might be fearful of clinical trials and may be hesitant to participate. Clinical trials in the U.S, however, are carefully monitored and subject to a strict set of guidelines. Clinical research that receives federal funding employ safeguards to protect the participant. If you are suffering from mesothelioma and would like to find out if clinical trials are for you, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and speak with your physician. Clinical trials operate on a strict volunteer basis and the risks and benefits should be evaluated extensively with your primary care physician.

For almost 35 years, the mesothelioma lawyers at Baron and Budd have been working with mesothelioma patients and their families and know how difficult the process can be. The firm does not give medical advice, but is committed to reporting on the latest information for and urges mesothelioma patients to explore all of their options. The law firm has sponsored several of the leading medical researchers in the field and will continue to fight for advancements in mesothelioma treatment.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mesothelioma or to learn more about Baron and Budd, visit here.