Mesothelioma Treatment Centers - Alimta, Pemetrexed, Veglin
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma clinical trials revolve around the testing of new mesothelioma treatment modalities that are designed to improve the survivability of malignant mesothelioma sufferers. Although mesothelioma clinical trials are most often associated with chemotherapy drug trials such as those currently ongoing for Alimta (Pemetrexed) and Veglin, clinical trials are designed to help test the safety and effectiveness of any newly developed treatment modality.
Clinical Trial Process For Newly Developed Drugs
Phase I & Phase II: A newly developed drug undergoes testing to determine whether or not the drug is safe given certain doses. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. Phase II revolves around a larger group sampling than Phase I.
Phase 3: After making it through the first two stages, a newly developed drug is compared to other drugs and treatment modalities that are currently being used to treat a diseas.
(A drug is approved by the FDA between Phase 3 and Phase 4)
Phase 4: the fourth and final phase of any clinical trial follows FDA approval. The drug is branded and marketed for distribution. Long-term studies monitor any latent side effects.
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Mesothelioma treatment centers have been set up throughout the United States and around the World to offer mesothelioma cancer sufferers a venue through which to receive highly-specialized treatment and care. Radical treatments such as extrapleural pneumonectomy, tri-modal therapy and decortication can be had through certain mesothelioma treatment centers. Experimental procedures that have not been approved by the FDA (drugs) or the medical community (treatment modalities) can be entered into for those with highly advanced stages of malignant mesothelioma. Considering that the average survival time for mesothelioma sufferers can be as little as six months, it is not surprising that patients are willing to take a chance by participating in newly developed experimental treatments.