Mesothelioma and asbestosis patients may have heard about clinical trials, but don’t know where to start or what to expect. Clinical trials for asbestos related cancer and diseases have saved lives and defied statistics. A clinical trial might be the answer to improve the quality of life and prognosis for you or your loved one.
Asbestosis from asbestos exposure and the threat or diagnosis of mesothelioma are not only difficult to diagnose, they are difficult to treat. A general physician typically has little experience treating asbestosis or mesothelioma, and since the diseases are rare, tests for these diseases will typically be down the ladder in a long line of tests until the physician is aware of asbestos exposure.
The treatment options suggested typically start with chemotherapy, radiation and lung removal. But chemotherapy and radiation have had little success and can produce significant pain. Lung removal is dangerous, but often necessary. It is frequently met with short success until the cancer cells grow and spread. Participating in a clinical trial could be the answer to a longer life, or at least a better life. If the asbestosis or mesothelioma are in the later stages and standard treatment hasn’t worked, there isn’t much to lose and your participation will help future patients battle the odds for survival. In fact, clinical trial surveys show that most participants participate to help themselves and to help others.
Doctors often have enough medical news to deal with, and may only be aware of a few clinical trials available for treating asbestosis or mesothelioma. Asking your doctor and many other doctors in related fields what clinical trials are available is often the first step to finding a clinical trial to join. The next biggest and most time-consuming step is to use the Internet. Those who have been resisting the computer must learn that research on the Internet has the potential to lead the cancer patient to a better, longer and healthier life. Family, friends and volunteers can help research clinical trial options for asbestos-related diseases. These clinical trials can be sponsored by hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other research organizations, universities, and are held all over the world. Keep in mind that transportation to these trials may be a burden, however there are organizations for support, and many people have been successful with fundraisers.
The first factor to evaluate is what qualifications are needed to participate. Once you find a list of clinical trials, you will have to examine what ages they are accepting, what stages of the disease they are accepting, and what prior treatment or non-treatment may be accepted. There are often many tests that need to be performed before the trial; however, it is also likely many of these tests have already been performed. Clinical trials do not arise quickly, and often there are months to wait – which is frightening for someone who has months to live. Persistent research and persistent phone inquiries on cancellations or alternatives can speed up the treatment.
Asbestosis and mesothelioma clinical trials have been promising. The trials may include a mix of drugs, a new kind of therapy based on injections, laser surgery, or even gene therapy. There are hundreds of clinical trials available but they do take a great deal of research to find. Getting the assistance from a volunteer will make shuffling through the tests and medical terminology easier. Clinical trials might be the answer to overcoming your asbestosis or mesothelioma. Start researching, ask for help, and be persistent. Your life isn’t ready to wait, and it’s best to start now.
