Mesothelioma

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.

A clinical trial is a process that all potential treatment options and medications go through before they are deemed safe or effective for the general population. Many patients with aggressive or treatment-resistant diseases look to clinical trials as a last hope for a cure. Many drugs and therapies that become the standard of care for a particular illness go through an extensive period of testing with clinical trials.

Stages of a Clinical Trial

There are three stages of clinical trials. Phase I trials enroll a limited number of people. They normally center around the correct dosage and relative safety of a particular drug. Phase II trials enroll more people and are used to determine if the new drug actually works against a particular illness. Phase III trials are the final phase before a drug is approved for treating a disease. During Phase III, the new drug is compared against the existing treatment. The goal during Phase III is to prove the new drug is a more effective treatment.

How to Find Out About Clinical Trials

There are a variety of resources on the Internet that list ongoing clinical trials for mesothelioma, which include the qualifications for each. Those interested in participating in a clinical trial should consult their doctor. Doctors have access to all upcoming and current clinical trials, and can also help determine if a patient qualifies for a particular trial.

Patients may also want to contact the large regional cancer centers in their area, which will have access to information on clinical trials being coordinated from their hospitals.

Qualifications for a Clinical Trial

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when considering participation in a clinical trial. Clinical trials typically occur in large metropolitan hospitals. It is important to know how often participants will need to see the physicians coordinating the trials and how long each visit will take, as hotel and travel expenses can add up quickly.

Not everyone qualifies for a clinical trial - this varies depending upon the participant and the trail at hand. Some clinical trials require that a patient have undergone an unsuccessful traditional treatment, while other clinical trials want patients who have not undergone any treatment for their disease.

A final factor when considering a clinical trial is the loss of control over medical treatment. In some clinical trials, referred to as randomized studies, patients receive the traditional treatment while others receive the experimental treatment. The patient does not choose which treatment they receive, nor do they likely know what treatment is being administered. There is no guarantee that a participant will receive the experimental treatment.

Despite apparent risks, the benefits of clinical trials are numerous. Without clinical trials it would be nearly impossible to judge the effectiveness of new drugs. The health care that participants receive during a clinical trial is fantastic. Careful records must be kept and extensive testing must be done to gauge the effectiveness and safety of a new therapy.

Clinical trials for mesothelioma are a vital part of the search for a cure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer with an extremely low survival rate. The patients currently involved in mesothelioma clinical trials will hopefully pave the way for a more effective treatment. Consulting with a physician about various available clinical trials should be considered at the initial diagnosis.

What to Expect at a Pre-Clinical Trial Screening

It is important to realize that not everyone who applies will be accepted into a clinical trial. The purpose of the clinical trial is to determine if a particular drug or treatment protocol is effective against a particular disease. In order to gain as much information as possible from a clinical trial, the trial coordinator will try to control the group of patients as much as possible. Some trials want patients who have not begun any treatment for their disease, others want patients who have a disease that is not responding to a current treatment.

A patient's general health will also be a consideration. While no one will argue that a patient with mesothelioma could be considered healthy, pre-screening coordinators will typically want to avoid patients with other pre-existing medical conditions as well as those taking medications for other illnesses. This is to give an accurate assessment as to the effectiveness of the treatment being tested. The more health conditions and medications that are introduced, the more likely the results of the trial will be skewed.

A mesothelioma cure seemed almost unattainable not long ago, but this negative outlook is beginning to change. Doctors and cancer specialists are constantly working towards the development of a cure and instilling mesothelioma hope in patients. During this search to find a cure for mesothelioma, stories of survival continue to surface, renewing hope and determination.
Mesothelioma Treatments

While a cure does not currently exist, intensive treatment can often increase the duration of a patient's survival and alleviate some of the pain and suffering associated with mesothelioma. Patients will typically undergo a combination of treatments to combat mesothelioma. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most widely used treatments, though alternative therapies such as massage and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), are often administered to aid in pain relief.

A combination of treatments, such as surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, used in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent cancerous cell division, is typically recommended. The stage, or maturity level, at which mesothelioma is diagnosed greatly affects a patient's prognosis and treatment options. The earlier the cancer is found and treated, the more likely a patient will positively respond to treatment.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Many patients elect to participate in clinical trials as a way of building mesothelioma hope. Clinical trials are conducted to test up-and-coming treatments and medications before they are released and recommended to the public as a safe and effective way to treat an illness. The three stages of clinical trials test new drugs extensively, from the correct dosage required to the effectiveness of the drug. To participate in a clinical trial, a patient must first qualify for the study and meet specific qualifications.

Clinical trials are imperative in the search for a mesothelioma cure. As results and information are gathered from a study, the knowledge gained helps medical professionals come closer to the discovery of a cure. Each successful clinical trial renews mesothelioma hope for all patients around the world.

Dr. Sugarbaker

Dr. David Sugarbaker, MD has taken an active role in the pursuit of better treatment options for mesothelioma patients and a cure for the asbestos-related cancer. Dr. Sugarbaker has been instrumental in the discovery of groundbreaking treatment options and his multi-modal approach to treating the disease has increased survival rates for mesothelioma patients. Dr. Sugarbaker is best known for his innovative treatment approach which involves surgery coupled with radiation and chemotherapy treatments for patients both before and after surgery.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), a ground-breaking surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sugarbaker, involves the removal of the lung and its coverings and the coverings of the heart and diaphragm. This surgery has resulted in disease-free and long-term survival and yielded the greatest amount of cytoreduction, or decrease in the number of cancerous cells.

Another procedure performed by Dr. Sugarbaker is intracavitary chemotherapy. Though currently under evaluation, the procedure has demonstrated encouraging results for mesothelioma patients. Intracavitary chemotherapy is completed while the patient is in surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor is completed and the chemotherapy is administered into the chest and abdominal cavity, contacting surfaces containing tumor cells and killing them. Healthy cells are preserved as a cytoprotective agent is utilized throughout the procedure.

Dr. Sugarbaker also founded the International Pleural Mesothelioma Program, which focuses on developing new treatment strategies and researching the causes of mesothelioma in effort to aid in the development of improved care for mesothelioma patients.

Progress made by Dr. Sugarbaker and other passionate medical professionals help strengthen mesothelioma hope and keeps the search for a cure alive. The research completed about mesothelioma and the constant studies conducted will only help scientists and doctors increase the survival rate of mesothelioma patients as they come closer to the discovery of a cure.

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Survival

Though many patients and their loved ones often get discouraged if the prognosis following a mesothelioma diagnosis comes back poor, it is important to remember that a number of patients have survived much longer than their initial prognosis suggested. Prognosis is generally poor because most patients do not exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurred, allowing the cancer to develop and mature in the body. The development of tests to aid in early diagnosis, such as the Mesomark blood test, will hopefully help mesothelioma patients receive treatment in the earlier stages of the cancer. Early diagnosis results in greater treatment options available to mesothelioma patients which can greatly improve a patient's prognosis.


Research reveals that mesothelioma patients who have survived for many years with the disease have commonly participated in some sort of therapy to enhance their immune system. Participation in clinical trials in immunology and other alternative therapies relating to the immune system have yielded positive results in some instances. Researchers theorize that mesothelioma likely results from immune suppression and mesothelioma survivors that participated in treatments to improve the immune system may have experienced positive results because of this participation.

Mesothelioma Hope

Many patients and their loved ones may enjoy reading "Lean on Me - Cancer through a Carer's Eyes," a touching story by Lorraine Kember about her husband's battle with mesothelioma. Reading about the emotions the Kember family experienced may help provide insight into the road ahead for those newly diagnosed. To receive a complimentary copy of this book, click here.

Mesothelioma Nutrition

Without a current cure for mesothelioma, patients battling the cancer often want to fight it in every way possible. Nutritious eating is a wonderful way to instill mesothelioma hope and equip the immune system with positive fuel. The food and nutrients that we put into our bodies greatly affect our ability to heal and fight disease. Eating a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, proteins, dairy, fruits and vegetables enables the body to function properly and adequately fight infection and illness. Eating nutritious food while actively fighting mesothelioma through treatment may not cure the cancer, but fighting the disease from every angle will give patients the best possible outlook.

Mesothelioma patients undergoing various treatments may have additional nutritional concerns. Nutrition during chemotherapy is extremely important as the drugs used during treatment kill cancer cells, but simultaneously affect healthy cells as well, leaving the body in a weakened state. Many patients may experience side effects from the treatment, including nausea and diarrhea. Mild flavored foods such as whole grain toast may settle the stomach and be easier to keep down during treatment. To combat constipation, patients should select foods with a large amount of fiber such as apples, oatmeal and broccoli. Ensuring adequate protein consumption is also important and many patients include egg whites, beans, milk and lean meats in their daily diet.

Patients undergoing radiation therapy may also experience side effects such as vomiting and loss of appetite. Since radiation can zap energy, it is important to eat nutritious foods with healthy calories to fuel the body properly. Limiting the amount of salt, alcohol and caffeine ingested during treatment is also very important. Speaking with a doctor or a nutritionist can help a patient receive guidance about proper nutrition and recommended foods to eat or avoid during radiation.