Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

What Are Mesothelioma Clinical Trials?

Mesothelioma patients enrolled in clinical research trials have a chance to receive the latest therapies before they become widely available. Researchers use clinical trials to investigate more effective treatments, improved screening and diagnosis methods and new ways of preventing disease. As of April 2022, more than 124 clinical research trials are actively recruiting mesothelioma patients.

Cancer research trials often last several years and go through many phases. Once recruitment starts, enrollment may be paused at certain checkpoints for researchers to analyze the data. If results are inadequate, the study sponsor may suspend or terminate the study early.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Actively Recruiting Patients

Dozens of clinical trials are recruiting mesothelioma patients. The U.S. National Institutes of Health maintains a database of past and present clinical trials for mesothelioma malignancy.

How to Enroll in a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Sean Marchese, MS, RN | 0:35

A mesothelioma doctor at a cancer center can also help you access new treatments. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

Active Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

How Clinical Trials Can Help Mesothelioma Patients

Clinical trials can be a valuable resource for mesothelioma patients as they offer access to promising new treatments that may not be available through standard treatment options. 

These trials are testing new treatments, including experimental drugs that target specific proteins or pathways in cancer cells, and immunotherapy that harnesses the power of the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer.

By participating in a clinical trial, mesothelioma patients can benefit from these new treatments, which may help to improve their prognosis and quality of life. Experimental drugs, for example, can provide a targeted approach to treating the cancer, attacking specific molecular pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of the tumor.

In some cases, clinical trials may offer the chance for patients to receive a combination of experimental therapies that have been shown to be effective in early studies. This approach can be particularly beneficial for mesothelioma patients, as the disease often requires a multimodal therapeutic approach to achieve the best outcomes.

“I want to be as helpful as I can. Being in a clinical trial has allowed me to do that, providing information to researchers about therapies that could help patients in the future. Sure, I was hoping it could help me, but it’s also rewarding when you know you’re helping others, which is what a clinical trial does.”

RICHARD M

Mesothelioma survivor

Are Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Safe?

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Phases 1:13

Clinical trials always come with certain risks. The experimental treatment may not be as effective as anticipated. You could experience unexpected side effects that harm your health.

A mesothelioma clinical trial can last weeks, months or years, depending on the trial’s goal, the number of patients involved and the results. Most drugs have to pass through multiple phases of trials before getting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

“Participation of patients with mesothelioma in clinical trials is essential if we are going to make progress and develop novel therapies.”

DR. RAFFIT HASSAN

Senior investigator at the NCI

How Successful Are Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma?

Not all patients will find success during a mesothelioma clinical trial. However, every patient in a clinical trial receives, at minimum, the current standard of care. If an experimental therapy isn’t working, physicians will discuss other options with their patients. 

If a trial is unsuccessful for the majority of patients, the investigators will discontinue the study. Many factors, such as treatment type, medical history and adverse effects, determine whether an experimental therapy is effective for each patient. Successful mesothelioma clinical trials lead to more extensive studies and approved treatments. 

For example, a 2019 study published in The Lancet Oncology tested a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab immunotherapy. The study found that 52% of pleural mesothelioma patients who received the combination had disease control for 12 weeks. For comparison, less than 30% of pleural mesothelioma patients achieved disease control in previous studies of second-line drugs. 

The success of this trial led to the FDA approval of Opdivo and Yervoy immunotherapy for pleural mesothelioma patients in October 2020. Studies like these help researchers determine which treatments have potential as safe and effective new therapies. 

In 2023, researchers confirmed a new phase II study is underway investigating the synergistic effect of gavocabtagene autoleucel (gavo-cel) when used with the combination of Opdivo and Yervoy. In early phase I results, 93% of patients experienced tumor regression. 

What Are the Risks Associated With Mesothelioma Clinical Trials?

There are risks involved when trying a new therapy. Researchers understand these risks and set protocols to avoid them, such as closely monitoring patients for signs of toxicity and side effects. Mesothelioma clinical trials are designed to prioritize patient safety. 

Potential participants should consider the inconvenience of traveling and the time commitment in addition to potential side effects of treatment. Because the new treatments are still being tested, it is uncertain if they will be effective at treating mesothelioma.

Participating in a clinical trial can be emotionally challenging, as it may involve uncertainty and the possibility of negative outcomes. It is wise to discuss the risks and benefits of joining a clinical trial with your doctor and your family.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Lead to New Treatments and Better Survival Rates

There is no cure for mesothelioma. Doctors are researching new therapies to improve survival rates and quality of life.

Sometimes a clinical trial results in a breakthrough that changes the way doctors approach cancer treatment. For example, research studies led to FDA approval of the first chemotherapy option for mesothelioma and the more recent Tumor Treating Fields.

Chemotherapy Trial of Cisplatin and Alimta

In 2003, one of the most important mesothelioma clinical trials announced its success treating patients with a combination of the chemotherapy drugs Alimta (pemetrexed) and cisplatin. In 2004, the combination therapy was approved by the FDA to treat pleural mesothelioma.

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Clinical Trial

Clinical trials led to the May 2019 FDA approval of Tumor Treating Fields as the newest mesothelioma treatment. Together, chemotherapy and TTFields control the growth of pleural mesothelioma. The results of the trial that led to FDA approval showed an improved overall survival of more than six months.

This emphasizes the importance of patient participation. Many mesothelioma trials struggle to get enough participants to truly test a new drug or therapy. Joining a trial helps researchers get closer to developing a cure for mesothelioma.

Survivor Stories from Mesothelioma Trial Participants

The stories of mesothelioma trial participants attest to the life-changing potential of clinical trials.

How Do I Enroll in a Clinical Trial for Mesothelioma?

Most patients enroll in trials at the recommendation of their doctor, who generally knows which clinical trials they may be eligible to join.

Cancer centers and clinics participating in research trials will typically have staff dedicated to running clinical trials. A research coordinator may reach out if you meet eligibility requirements.

Every mesothelioma clinical trial has specific criteria for who is eligible to participate. Some trials are only for patients who have not been treated before. Other trials are exclusively for patients who did not respond well to standard treatments.

Steps to Enroll in a Clinical Trial

Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor

Your oncologist can recommend clinical trials tailored to your diagnosis and medical history.

Step 2: Get a Second Opinion

Seeking a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist may open the door to other clinical trials.

Step 3: Which Trials Interest You?

Take the time to completely understand the trials that most appeal to you. Review and discuss the research trial information with your family to determine if the trial expectations and stress may be too much to bear.

Step 4: Ask Questions and Finalize Your Decision

Ask your doctor as many questions as necessary to understand the risks and benefits of the trial. Once you’ve finalized your decision, your medical team will walk you through necessary paperwork to begin the screening process.

Common Eligibility Factors of Clinical Trials

After you enroll in a clinical trial, research personnel will conduct a series of blood and imaging tests. These extra precautions ensure that you are eligible for the study and that the experimental treatment won’t cause any unnecessary harm. Some requirements include patients who have metastatic cancer, while others may specify no prior therapy.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Participating

Prior to enrolling, it is important for a mesothelioma patient to fully understand the details and purpose of the trial.

Questions to ask before signing up for a clinical trial Dr. Marcelo DaSilva | 0:44

Getting answers to these concerns will help you and your loved ones decide if participating in a clinical trial is best for you. If you think of any other questions, be sure to ask them. Request clarification if you feel the doctor or researcher did not sufficiently answer your questions.

Other Common Questions About Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

How do I find out about mesothelioma clinical trials?

Talk to your doctor about which trials are available in your area. You may search online databases, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, and a Patient Advocate can help you understand how to find mesothelioma trials that you qualify for.

Will I have to pay to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial?

Many clinical trials cover all or part of the therapies used in clinical trials, but each trial varies. Certain therapies, such as traditional chemotherapy, are often covered by health insurance.

Where do I find a mesothelioma clinical trial?

You can learn more about mesothelioma clinical trials from your doctor, in addition to researching them online at ClinicalTrials.gov. You can also speak with a Patient Advocate to find a clinical trial that might be right for you.

Can mesothelioma be cured through clinical trials?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for any stage or type of mesothelioma, and no clinical trial has led to a cure for a patient with mesothelioma. However, many patients have lived years longer than their original prognosis thanks to joining a clinical trial. Some patients respond abnormally well to certain therapies and end up benefitting more than most patients. This isn’t the norm, but there is hope that joining a clinical trial could add years to your life.

Are placebos used in cancer clinical trials?

Placebos are not common, but they are sometimes used in cancer trials in combination with conventional treatment, experimental treatments or when no conventional treatment exists. Researchers are never allowed to intentionally withhold necessary medical care. You will not miss out on high-quality medical care by participating in a clinical trial.

Can I withdraw from a mesothelioma clinical trial?

Yes, participants in clinical trials have the right to withdraw from the study at any time. You should notify your doctor if you decide to withdraw from the trial.