Clinical Trials 101 – Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma lung cancer has no cure. However, there are clinical trials currently underway to test new drugs and procedures in order to fight against the disease and prolong your life and quality of life. A clinical trial is a study that monitors the safety and/or effectiveness of new drugs being tested on humans. Mesothelioma lung cancer victims interested in participating in a clinical trial should discuss that particular trial thoroughly with your doctor before a making a decision on whether it is the right clinical trial for you.

Clinical trials carry benefits and risks. It is important that you have a complete understanding of what to expect. For instance, since clinical trials are conducted at larger renown cancer centers. Travel may be necessary to receive treatment and routine tests. On the other hand, care is provided at top-notch facilities by physicians who are leaders in the field of cancer research. Another benefit would be having access to the new drug before it is widely available. However, the new drug may be proven to be not as effective as the current standard of care.

Your medical insurance or Medicare may not cover all the costs associated with clinical trials. Filing a lawsuit helps cover the burden of medical costs and may provide a financial safety net for your family. Find out your eligibility in filing a Mesothelioma lung cancer law suit today.

Eligibility requirements for clinical trials vary. Each study has specific guidelines to participate. Some trials allow participation after other treatments have failed, while others require that the patient have no prior treatment. Your doctor should be able to advise you which trial might be the best fit in your particular case.

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Some treatment trials are randomized which means the new treatment is compared with a current standard of treatment. Depending on which arm of the protocol you are assigned, you may receive the new treatment or the standard. You should be informed in advance of this eventuality by the doctor conducting the trial. Placebos (pills that contain no active ingredient) are rarely used in Mesothelioma lung cancer trials.

Mesothelioma Cancer Clinical Trial Phases
Clinical trials are divided into different phases:
Phase 1 trials usually enroll only a small number of people and test how new drugs or procedures should be administered. Phase 2 trials provide early information about whether or not a new drug or procedure works and also provides information about safety and benefits. Phase 3 trials compare promising new drugs or procedures with the current standard treatment. Larger numbers of people usually participate in Phase 3 and receive either the new treatment or the standard treatment.

Eligibility for Mesothelioma Cancer Trials
In order to be sure the study results are accurate, clinical trial participants in all phases must fit a certain profile. Eligibility for Mesothelioma cancer trials are often specific as to age, how long it has been since therapy, stage of disease, and other characteristics.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials & Medicare
If you choose to enter a clinical trial and are on Medicare, it is important that you have a complete understanding of the trial itself as well as what costs will or will not be covered under your Medicare policy.

Clinical trials for cancer are currently covered if:
• The trial is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, the NCI-Sponsored Clinical Trials Cooperative Groups or other Federal agencies that fund cancer research
• The goal of the trial is to diagnose or treat cancer

Costs covered under Medicare for clinical trial participants include:
• Doctor’s office visits
• Routine tests and/or procedures associated with a clinical trial
• Services associated with the administration of investigational drugs during a clinical trial
• Health care associated with a clinical trial, i.e., hospitalization for side effects

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Costs not covered under Medicare for clinical trial participants include:
• Investigational drugs being tested in a clinical trial
• Services used only for the collection of data for a clinical trial
• Anything provided to a trial participant at no cost by the sponsor of a clinical trial
• Any coinsurance and/or deductibles

If you are not sure whether the clinical trial you have chosen meets all necessary requirements, discuss your participation with your doctor, or contact the Medicare benefits office at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

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