CLINICAL TRIALS & MESOTHELIOMA

As a result of the fact that Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive disease which is extremely difficult to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently sponsoring a variety of clinical trials that are specifically designed to seek out new and more successful ways to treat the disease than those that may currently be available to the patient.

Prior to any potentially new treatments being made officially and generally available to Mesothelioma patients, medical practitioners are required to conduct clinical trials, as a means to determine (a) if the particular new form of treatment is safe and does not have adverse effects; and (b) how effective the new form of treatment may prove to be.

It is very important that anyone who may be interested in taking part in a clinical trial should first carefully consult with their doctor for information, advice and guidance.

Information about Mesothelioma clinical trials can be obtained from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1–800–4–CANCER.

In addition, the Clinical Trials page at the U.S. Government's National Cancer Institute can be found at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials This link provides useful data about the specific nature of clinical trials.

Those people who may be considering taking part in clinical trials may wish to read an official NCI booklet titled Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies.

The booklet details how such trials are undertaken, and provides useful information on the potential benefits and risks posed by clinical trials.

Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies may be obtained by clicking on the following link: http://www.cancer.gov/publications