Introduction:
Welcome, dear reader. If you have come to this page, then the chances are that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. We understand how difficult this can be, and we want to help. In this article, you’ll discover the latest mesothelioma clinical trials near Fayetteville, NC, and how they can offer hope to mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to treat, with few effective options available. However, researchers are constantly working to discover new treatments and improve existing ones. Clinical trials are the cornerstone of this research, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments that may not yet be widely available. In Fayetteville, NC, there are several clinical trials available that may benefit mesothelioma patients.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of mesothelioma clinical trials near Fayetteville, NC. We’ll cover what clinical trials are, how they work, and why they matter. We’ll also detail the clinical trials currently available in Fayetteville, NC, and provide you with the information you need to participate in these trials if you’re interested.
Throughout this article, we’ll emphasize the importance of clinical trials as a path to better mesothelioma treatments. We hope this article gives you hope and empowers you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare.
What are Clinical Trials?
A clinical trial is a research study designed to evaluate new treatments, drugs, or medical procedures. Clinical trials are conducted under strict guidelines and are intended to determine the safety and effectiveness of these new treatments. Clinical trials can take many years to complete and involve multiple phases of testing.
Phase I Clinical Trials:
Phase I clinical trials are the first step in testing new treatments in humans. These trials evaluate the safety of the treatment and determine the appropriate dosage. Phase I clinical trials usually involve a small group of patients.
Phase II Clinical Trials:
Phase II clinical trials are the next step in testing new treatments. These trials evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and further assess safety. Phase II clinical trials usually involve a larger group of patients than phase I trials.
Phase III Clinical Trials:
Phase III clinical trials are the final step in testing new treatments before they are approved for use by the FDA. These trials compare the new treatment to the current standard of care and evaluate its effectiveness and safety. Phase III clinical trials usually involve hundreds or thousands of patients.
Why are Clinical Trials Important?
Clinical trials are essential for improving medical treatments and discovering new cures. Without clinical trials, we would not have many of the treatments we rely on today. Clinical trials also contribute to our understanding of diseases and their causes, leading to better preventative measures and earlier diagnoses.
For mesothelioma patients, clinical trials offer a chance to access cutting-edge treatments that may not yet be widely available. Clinical trials can also provide hope and a sense of empowerment during a difficult time.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Near Fayetteville, NC:
Now, let’s discuss the mesothelioma clinical trials currently available in Fayetteville, NC. The following table provides a summary of each trial, including the trial’s name, sponsor, phase, and eligibility criteria.
| Name | Sponsor | Phase | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Pembrolizumab in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma | Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. | Phase II | Pleural mesothelioma, no prior systemic chemotherapy |
| Phase I Clinical Trial of Autologous T Cells Targeting Mesothelin For Advanced Solid Tumors Including Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma | National Cancer Institute | Phase I | Advanced solid tumors, including mesothelioma, prior treatment failure |
| A Study of Atezolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab in Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma | Hoffmann-La Roche | Phase II | Pleural mesothelioma, no prior systemic therapy or prior treatment failure |
Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Pembrolizumab in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The first mesothelioma clinical trial available in Fayetteville, NC, is the “Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Pembrolizumab in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma” sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. This phase II clinical trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of pembrolizumab, a type of immunotherapy, in patients with pleural mesothelioma who have not received prior systemic chemotherapy.
Pembrolizumab is a drug that works by activating the immune system to attack cancer cells. This trial aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of pembrolizumab in mesothelioma patients and to identify the optimal dose.
To be eligible for this trial, patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma and no prior systemic chemotherapy. Other eligibility criteria include being over 18 years old, having adequate organ function, and not having received radiation therapy within two weeks of starting the trial.
Phase I Clinical Trial of Autologous T Cells Targeting Mesothelin For Advanced Solid Tumors Including Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The second mesothelioma clinical trial available in Fayetteville, NC, is the “Phase I Clinical Trial of Autologous T Cells Targeting Mesothelin For Advanced Solid Tumors Including Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma” sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. This phase I clinical trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a type of immunotherapy called autologous T cells in patients with advanced solid tumors, including mesothelioma.
Autologous T cells are a type of immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer. In this trial, T cells will be collected from the patient’s blood, modified in the lab to target a protein called mesothelin which is commonly found on mesothelioma cells, and then infused back into the patient’s body.
To be eligible for this trial, patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of an advanced solid tumor, including mesothelioma, and have failed prior treatment. Other eligibility criteria include being over 18 years old, having adequate organ function, and not having received certain medications within two weeks of starting the trial.
A Study of Atezolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab in Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The third mesothelioma clinical trial available in Fayetteville, NC, is the “A Study of Atezolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab in Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma” sponsored by Hoffmann-La Roche. This phase II clinical trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of atezolizumab, a type of immunotherapy, in combination with bevacizumab, a type of targeted therapy, in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Atezolizumab is a drug that works by activating the immune system to attack cancer cells, while bevacizumab works by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. This trial aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of this combination therapy in mesothelioma patients.
To be eligible for this trial, patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma and no prior systemic therapy or prior treatment failure. Other eligibility criteria include being over 18 years old, having adequate organ function, and not having received certain medications within two weeks of starting the trial.
FAQs about Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Near Fayetteville, NC:
1.
What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?
Like any medical treatment, clinical trials carry risks. These risks can include side effects from the treatment, adverse reactions to the drugs being tested, and other unforeseen complications. However, clinical trials are conducted under strict guidelines and are designed to minimize these risks as much as possible.
2. Who can participate in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials have specific eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, gender, medical history, and stage of disease. These criteria vary depending on the trial. To participate in a clinical trial, patients must meet these eligibility criteria and be willing to follow the study protocol.
3. Do I have to pay to participate in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or research institutions and are provided free of charge to patients. However, patients may be responsible for other costs associated with the trial, such as travel expenses or missed work.
4. What happens during a clinical trial?
Clinical trials involve multiple visits to a medical facility, where patients receive the study treatment and are monitored for side effects and other medical issues. Patients must also comply with the study protocol, which may include additional tests or procedures.
5. How do I find a clinical trial?
There are many resources available to help patients find clinical trials. The National Cancer Institute’s website and clinicaltrials.gov are two valuable resources for finding trials. Patients can also talk to their doctor or a patient advocacy organization for guidance.
6. How long do clinical trials take?
Clinical trials can take several years to complete, depending on the phase of the trial and the number of patients enrolled. Patients who participate in clinical trials may be required to receive treatment for an extended period, depending on the study protocol.
7. Will I receive a placebo during the trial?
Some clinical trials involve a placebo group, which receives a drug that does not contain the active ingredient being studied. However, placebos are not used in all trials, and patients are always informed if they will receive a placebo before consenting to participate in the trial.
8. What happens after the trial is over?
After the trial is over, patients may continue to receive the study treatment if it is still effective and available. Patients may also be offered other treatments or be referred to another doctor or medical facility for further care.
9. Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
Patients have the right to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time, for any reason. Patients who wish to withdraw from a trial should speak to their doctor or trial coordinator to discuss their options.
10. Can I participate in a clinical trial if I have already received treatment for mesothelioma?
Each clinical trial has specific eligibility criteria, and some trials allow patients who have received prior treatment. Patients must meet the eligibility criteria for the trial in question to participate.
11. How do I know if a clinical trial is right for me?
Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a doctor or healthcare professional. Patients should carefully consider the risks and benefits of participating in a trial before making a decision.
12. Will I receive follow-up care after the trial?
Patients who participate in clinical trials receive the same standard of care as patients who do not participate in the trial. Patients who receive treatment during the trial may also receive follow-up care after the trial is over.
13. How can I get more information about mesothelioma clinical trials near Fayetteville, NC?
If you are interested in participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial near Fayetteville, NC, you should speak to your doctor or a patient advocacy organization for guidance. You can also visit the National Cancer Institute’s website or clinicaltrials.gov for more information.
Conclusion:
Thank you for taking the time to read this article about mesothelioma clinical trials near Fayetteville, NC. Clinical trials offer hope to mesothelioma patients, and we encourage you to consider participating if you are eligible. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your healthcare.
Remember, clinical trials are an essential part of medical research, and we all benefit from the discoveries they make. By participating in a clinical trial, you can contribute to the development of better mesothelioma treatments for yourself and future patients.
If you have any questions or concerns about mesothelioma clinical trials, please speak to your doctor or a patient advocacy organization. Together, we can continue to fight mesothelioma and search for new cures.
Closing Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on medical treatments and decisions. The information in this article is current as of the publication date and is subject to change. We do not endorse any specific clinical trial or treatment, and all decisions about healthcare should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
