Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Until recently, clinical trials for mesothelioma were hard to conduct. The disease had a quick onset and progression, leading to a relatively short survival period in which to conduct clinical trials. Additionally, there was a lack of basic understanding concerning the clinical biology of the disease and how the disease changed during its progression.

Recently, as part of the Alimta clinical trial, researchers developed new metrics that included factors other than just pleural thickening or abnormal breathing capability. A number of new trials are now underway. The hope is that these trials will lead to ways to stop or reverse the progression of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Trial Phases

• Phase I - Evaluate drug or treatment in a small group of patients (20 to 80) for the first time to evaluate safety, determine the appropriate dosage range and identify side effects.
• Phase II - Treat a larger group of patients to determine if the drug treatment is effective and safe for the dosage levels determined in Phase I.
• Phase III - Administer drug or treatment to a large group of patients to confirm effectiveness and evaluate side effects. The drug under evaluation will be compared to commonly used treatments. Also, Phase III trials determine the proper protocol for the use of the drug when it is released.
• Phase IV - Perform follow-up studies from Phase III, mainly to obtain information that can be used when marketing the drug.

Get more mesothelioma information, including information on epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma, the three types of mesothelioma cancer cells.