Clinical Trials & Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that can attack the lining of the lungs, heart, and/or abdomen that is directly linked to asbestos exposure. In fact, mesothelioma is mainly diagnosed in older individuals who worked or regularly came in contact with asbestos in an industrial setting. It is also commonly diagnosed in those who laundered or handled the clothing of an individual who worked with loose asbestos at his or her workplace.
While mesothelioma is a complex form of cancer, there are a number of different methods doctors use to treat the disease, all of which depend on a number of factors, including how far the disease has advanced and what the general status of the individual’s health is at the time of diagnoses. While radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy are the most popular ways of attacking the disease, there are a number of clinical trials underway across the United States which may provide the best hope of surviving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Specifically, these trials often give patients access to cutting-edge treatments that may increase one’s life expectancy, and also play a role in future advancements in the fight against asbestos-caused cancer.
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma as a result, we can help. At Stern Law, PLLC, we provide compassionate yet zealous advocacy for those who have been injured due to asbestos. To learn more about your legal options, call (844) 808-7529 to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to making a difference for you.
What is a Clinical Trial?
In simple terms, a clinical trial is basically a focused and unique research study (often sponsored by the U.S. government or pharmaceutical companies) that involves people. Clinical trials specifically strive to research new treatment methods for mesothelioma that can involve drugs, therapist and different combinations thereof. Overall, trials allow for medical professions to measure the effectiveness, and obtain a clearer picture, of the newest drugs and most up-to-date forms of treatment available. Moreover, clinical trials are really the best way to help fuel progress and develop novel therapies to treat this currently incurable form of cancer.
Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
While your doctor is in the only position to recommend what is best for you in light of your specific set of circumstances, it is helpful to consider participating in a clinical trial, especially if other, conventional methods have not worked.
As noted, only your doctor can determine which course of treatment is best for you in light of your specific set of circumstances. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact your medical provider immediately to get started with treatment as soon as possible, as the earlier you treat the disease, the better your outcome. Once you have established care, contact one of our seasoned attorneys at Stern Law, PLLC to learn more about your legal rights and options. You did not deserve to get mesothelioma, but you do deserve to be compensated for the harm you sustained. Contact us today at (844) 808-7529.
Do I Have to Pay for a Clinical Trial?
The good news is that while patients do cover some expenses associated with a clinical trial such as transportation, doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, and X-rays and other scans, government agencies or pharmaceutical companies typically cover most of the costs.
Phases of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials fall into one of three different categories, as follows: prevention, screening, and treatment. Moreover, each trial is divided into three phases, and if a drug or treatment method passes through all of said phases, then it can ultimately end up being approved for treatment by the FDA.
Phase I – this involves a smaller group of individuals, usually 20 or less, to examine the safety of a drug or therapeutic method. Overall, the goal of Phase I is to better understand the side effects and determine how the body processes a drug. It further looks at what are safe dosage levels.
Phase II – this can include up to 300 people, and typically examines closer the safety levels of a drug or therapy. This can be combined with other treatment methods, or may even be administered as a placebo.
Phase III – Phase III often involves the largest number of subjects, up to several thousand people, and measures the efficacy of a new form of treatment versus standard approaches. It is also used to determine and finalize the right dosage amounts and to document side effects.
Phase IV – while not part of a clinical trial, this phase is usually implemented after the FDA has approved a treatment or drug for standard use by the public. At this phase, a drug or treatment method is tested for effectiveness and safety amongst a diverse patient pool.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and want further information on clinical trials, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Moreover, to learn more about your legal rights and options, contact Stern Law, PLLC at (844) 808-7529 today.
Were You Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Contact Stern Law, PLLC Today
At Stern Law, PLLC, we understand the complexities associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis, and want to help. We take the time you need to review your case, determine the sources of your exposure, and develop a plan of action to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Stern Law, PLLC today at (844) 808-7529 to schedule your free consultation with one of our seasoned mesothelioma attorneys.
