What is Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Clinical trials for any disease are defined as the research studies of different treatment methods and medications used to treat a disease to determine whether a newly developed treatment technique or drug is effective in treating the disease or not. It is typically conducted after extensive research has been performed regarding a medication or treatment.Though mesothelioma has no cure, there are clinical trials currently underway to test new drugs and procedures in the fight against the disease. If you are one of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, clinical trials may offer the best available treatment and the opportunity to receive new, potentially more effective therapy.
When laboratory studies indicate that a new drug may show promise in the treatment of disease, researchers develop a plan called a clinical trial protocol. The principal investigator, usually a doctor, prepares this plan and includes the reason for the study, how many people will be enrolled, who will be eligible to participate, what drugs will be used, what medical tests will be necessary, and what information will be gathered. Clinical trials are sponsored by organizations or individuals seeking better treatments for cancer.
Mesothelioma Clinical trials come in four phases
Phase I trials involve a small number of patientsPhase II trials involve a larger number of people than Phase I trials.
Phase III trials continue the research of phase II trials, but with a stronger focus on comparing this particular treatment with already existing treatments.
In Phase IV trials, researchers monitor the effects of long-term usage.
Scientists are also investigating new methods of immunotherapy-using the body's own immune system to protect itself against disease-as well as new chemotherapy drugs, and combinations of treatments.