Clinical trials are changing the face of mesothelioma treatment. While researchers and physicians continue to search for a cure, patients can enroll in clinical trials in order to access the latest medical advances available for treating mesothelioma cancer. Choosing to join a clinical trial is a very personal decision that patients must consider with their caregivers, family members and medical team. Learn more about the pros and cons of mesothelioma clinical trials and find out how to decide if a clinical trial is the right fit.

1. Finding the Clinical Trial
That’s Right for Me
Today’s Moderator:
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. Hope for a Cure
Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
If a cure for mesothelioma is found, it will be
discovered through clinical trials.
Most mesothelioma patients will be offered
or will search for a clinical trial at some
point in their cancer journey.
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3. Basics of Clinical Trials
In previous group presentations, we have covered
what a clinical trial is, the phases of a clinical trial
and common misconceptions.
A great resource for someone learning about
clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment can be
found at:
https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/clinical-
trials/ (This will be included in the recap email.)
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4. Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation
In the last several decades, research
continues to show that less than 5 percent
of adult cancer patients enroll in clinical
trials. (Children typically have a higher rate
of participation.)
Despite the fact that 70 percent of
Americans indicate they would likely
participate in clinical trials.
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5. Barriers
 Access
Ability to visit a cancer center offering a clinical trial.
Health insurance and funds to cover any medical
costs, which may not be covered by the trial.
Transportation and accommodations near the cancer
center if not located near facility.
Practical help for patient or children (if needed.)
 Availability
Presence of clinical trial for patient’s diagnosis and
stage of disease. For about half of cancer patients,
there is currently no clinical trial available.
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6. Barriers (cont.)
If a clinical trial is available, then it is possible
that a patient is ineligible due to clinical
eligibility criteria. Many times if patients have a
co-morbidity (another diagnosis such as heart
disease, diabetes or kidney disease) then they
would be ineligible to participate in the clinical
trial.
Sometimes, it can exclude a patient from a
clinical trial.
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7. Barriers (cont.)
Physician attitude: While most oncologists
agree that clinical trials are important and
provide their patients with excellent care, some
oncologists are less likely to recommend them
to their patients.
Too much time dealing with paperwork/consent and
altering their recommended plan of care to conform
to the clinical trial.
Some physicians reported feeling that offering and
participating in clinical trials can negatively affect
the patient/physician relationship.
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8. Barriers (cont.)
Patient/Family Attitudes:
Doubt the new treatment is actually better than
the standard-of-care treatment
Fear the medical science community won’t
disclose all risks and results
Dislike potential of randomization
Unknown side effects of experimental treatment
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9. Who Suggests a Clinical Trial?
 Many times your oncologist will offer you the
opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, especially if
that particular trial is based at the treatment center.
 However, patients, friends and family members can
also research clinical trials on a regular basis as new
trials are opening up all the time and bring those
options to their oncologist.
 Patients do have the right to seek a second opinion at
a treatment facility that offers a clinical trial to see if
that trial is an option for them.
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10. How to Find if Your
Eligible for a Clinical Trial
Gather detailed information about your exact
diagnosis, stage of disease, previous
treatment received and any other medical
issues you may have.
A helpful checklist to use is available at:
www.cancer.gov/about-
cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search/trial-
guide/detailschecklist.pdf (This will be included in
the recap email.)
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11. Important Mesothelioma Information
 Ensure you are clear about the type of
mesothelioma you have based on where the
mesothelioma originated:
Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial or testicular.
 Mesothelioma cells are either epithelial,
sarcomatoid or biphasic (combination of both cell
types).
 You will need this specific information about
your mesothelioma to find the right clinical trial.
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12. Finding Available Clinical Trials
Check ClinicalTrials.gov frequently to see if
there are any clinical trials for which you
may be eligible.
Ask your Patient Advocate to look into
available options.
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13. Questions to Consider
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We will
include this
in the recap
email.

14. Making the Best Decision for You
 There are pros and cons to participating in a
clinical trial for your mesothelioma.
 Making the best treatment choice for you
depends on your priorities, your health and the
specific clinical trial available to you.
 Your oncologist and your loved ones may have
opinions about whether or not you should
participate in a clinical trial. But ultimately, only
the patient can consent to a clinical trial, so take
some time to make the right decision for you.
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15. Resources
Unger, J.M., Cook, E., Tai, E. & Bleyer, A. (2016)
The Role of Clinical Trial Participation in Cancer
Research: Barriers, Evidence, and Strategies.
Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2016;35:185-98.
doi: 10.14694/EDBK_156686.
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16. Contact Information
1-877-626-5916
(877) 626-5916
Facebook.com/themesocenter
@TheMesoCenter