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.