Mesothelioma Research

While mesothelioma cancer has been around for quite some time, doctors and research scientists have only just begun to receive the necessary funds to improve treatment options for the disease. In comparison with other cancers, mesothelioma is considered to be rare and research dollars have historically been sparse when it comes to allocating money for the study of asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma Breakthrough

Successful clinical trials and other research procedures have presented many new treatments for those suffering from mesothelioma. Some of the most recent successful trials and tests include:

Alimta - This chemotherapy medication has shown great promise in treating mesothelioma patients during clinical trials. Currently, it is now the only FDA-approved medication designated specifically for the treatment of asbestos-caused cancer and is most successful when combined with an older chemotherapy platinum agent known as Cisplatin.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy - Scientists tested this form of radiation therapy to determine whether or not they could succeed in sparing more healthy tissue around the affected area. This treatment is more precise and allows higher doses to be aimed at the cancerous organ while protecting normal adjacent tissue. This unique form of radiation therapy has also allowed doctors to treat tumors that are tangled with vital organs.

Gene Therapy - Clinical trials often involve less conventional therapies that are considered to be cutting-edge. Gene therapy uses laboratory-modified viruses to prompt the body to activate its immune system and destroy cancer cells. Numerous clinical trials for gene therapy continue.

Bio markers - After extensive periods of research, Fujirebio Diagnostics was able to devise a simple blood test to check for bio markers that might indicate the development of mesothelioma in its earliest stages.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Research for mesothelioma generally begins in a laboratory and initial tests typically involve lab mice. If early experiments are deemed successful and all parameters of the research meet federally-imposed guidelines for use on humans, the treatment is deemed safe for trial.

Clinical trials are designed to test new medications, treatments and therapies on patients who have a particular disease. Most oncologists, especially those who specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma, will be well-versed on what clinical trials are available and can easily determine who qualifies for what trial. Patients considering participation in clinical trials should know some basic information before making their decision.

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be interested in current clinical trials and Asbestos.com offers an informative packet containing the most up-to-date information about studies and various treatment options. Patients and family members who wish to receive a complimentary comprehensive packet may fill out this form to receive their packet overnight.

Clinical trials may test new forms of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or new ways to deliver radiation to the affected area of the body. In the past, new medications with fewer side effects have emerged triumphant from clinical trials and some mesothelioma patients have seen significant improvement in their quality of life.

Some clinical trials address other potential treatments outside the traditional, including immunotherapy, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy. Those who participate in these trials need to be willing to step out of the box and try something that might not be proven to help, but most agree that participating in clinical trials are worth a try.

Clinical Trial Phases 

Other clinical trials for mesothelioma research may include new ways to detect the disease before it reaches Stage III or IV, which is typically when the disease is diagnosed. Such clinical trials can be carried out with individuals who do not have the disease but are at high risk for developing it. Regardless of the type of clinical trial, most are conducted in stages or phases and patients may be involved every step of the way. Different qualifications may apply and not everyone will qualify for each step of the trial.

Phase I – During this phase, researchers must determine basic information about any new medication that is being considered for mass distribution. Factors to be considered are dosage and method of administration.

Phase II – This step of the trial is generally more specific and focuses on a certain type of cancer or disease. During this stage, researchers are concerned with how the medication or therapy in question interacts with that specific disease. The safety of the medication is also called into question at this point in the clinical trial.

Phase III – This is a comparison stage. During Phase III, researchers will gather data on how a new medication or treatment compares to the current standard. For example, a new chemotherapy medication being considered for the treatment of mesothelioma will be measured against the currently-approved treatment that is most often used. This phase will determine if the new medication can make a difference in prognosis and if it is worthy of seeking FDA approval.

It is important to note that not all treatments being tested make it through all three phases of the trial. Nevertheless, others emerge triumphant and offer new and better treatment options for mesothelioma.
Funds for Research

With the incidence rate of mesothelioma increasing, people are now rallying politicians at the national level for help in obtaining funds for mesothelioma research. In some cities, such as Libby, Montana, special research facilities have been built to accommodate individuals who can study the disease and provide cutting-edge treatment options for patients.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated $50 million in funding for mesothelioma research, making it a "research priority" for the first time ever. The funds have been made available to research facilities throughout the country and researchers are eligible to receive between $625,000 and $2.5 million for their studies.

The money was provided by the Department of Defense because veterans have been significantly impacted by mesothelioma. This is largely due to the abundance of asbestos that was used by the U.S. armed forces throughout World War I and World War II. Shipyard workers, both military and civilian, have the highest incidence of mesothelioma of any profession.

As more people affected by mesothelioma begin to rally for better research, funds will hopefully continue to grow and mesothelioma doctors will be able to enhance treatments for this disease. Patients and their families can help retain funding for mesothelioma research by contacting local or national politicians by letter, email, or in person, requesting additional money for the study of this aggressive cancer. For a list of charities that contribute funding to help find a mesothelioma cure, please click here.

Sources:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/medical_community/case_studies/

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