The Importance of Clinical Trials in Mesothelioma Treatment
Greetings, dear readers! Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of several organs, most commonly the lungs. As you may already know, mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, and its symptoms may not appear until decades after the exposure. Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, and most patients survive less than 18 months after diagnosis. However, there is hope in clinical trials.
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials may involve new drugs, surgery techniques, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Clinical trials may also compare the new treatment to the standard treatment or a placebo. Mesothelioma patients may benefit from clinical trials by receiving cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the public. Clinical trials may also contribute to finding a cure for mesothelioma and improving the quality of life of patients.
Why Should Elderly Patients be Included in Clinical Trials?
Age should not be a barrier to receiving the best possible treatment for mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma is more commonly diagnosed in older individuals, elderly patients are often excluded from clinical trials. This is because some researchers believe that elderly patients may not tolerate the treatment as well as younger patients due to other health conditions, reduced organ function, or limited mobility. However, this assumption is not always accurate.
In fact, elderly patients may benefit the most from clinical trials. A study by the National Cancer Institute showed that elderly patients who participated in clinical trials for cancer had a better overall survival rate than those who did not. Moreover, clinical trials that include elderly patients may provide more comprehensive data on how the treatment affects patients of different ages, genders, races, and health conditions. Therefore, including elderly patients in clinical trials is not only the ethical thing to do, but it is also the smart thing to do.
How are Elderly Patients Considered in Clinical Trials?
The inclusion or exclusion of elderly patients in clinical trials may depend on several factors, such as the type and stage of mesothelioma, the patient’s overall health status, and the specific goals of the study. Some clinical trials may have age limits, such as only enrolling patients under 65 or over 75 years old. However, many clinical trials do not have age limits and evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis. The patient’s consent and willingness to participate in the trial are also important factors.
The clinical trial’s protocol may also consider the special needs and risks of elderly patients. For example, the dosage or frequency of the treatment may be adjusted based on the patient’s weight, kidney function, or other medications. The trial may also monitor the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation more frequently. Lastly, the trial may provide additional support and resources for elderly patients, such as transportation, caregiver assistance, or social services.
What are Some Mesothelioma Clinical Trials that Include Elderly Patients?
Now, let’s take a look at some mesothelioma clinical trials that specifically include elderly patients. These trials are currently recruiting or enrolling patients as of October 2021, but please consult with your doctor or the clinical trial’s coordinator for the most up-to-date information and eligibility criteria.
| Study Title | Phase | Treatment Type | Age Range | Enrollment Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab with or without Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Mesothelioma | II | Immunotherapy + Radiation Therapy | 18+ years old | Recruiting |
| Ipilimumab and Nivolumab in Treating Patients with Rare Tumors | II | Immunotherapy | 18+ years old | Active, not recruiting |
| Phase I Study of Intravenous CRS-207 and Intravenous GVAX Pancreas in Pancreatic Cancer with or without Concurrent Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide | I | Immunotherapy | 18+ years old | Enrolling by invitation |
Study 1: Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab with or without Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
This study is being conducted by the National Cancer Institute and aims to assess the safety and efficacy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab with or without stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with mesothelioma that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab are types of immunotherapy that may help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. SBRT is a type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor while sparing nearby healthy tissue. The study intends to enroll 96 patients who are at least 18 years old, have not received prior immunotherapy, and have adequate organ function. Patients will receive the treatment every three weeks for up to two years, and the study will follow up with them for up to five years. The primary outcome measures are the objective response rate and the progression-free survival rate, as well as the safety and tolerability of the treatment.
Study 2: Ipilimumab and Nivolumab in Treating Patients with Rare Tumors
This study is being conducted by the National Cancer Institute and aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ipilimumab and nivolumab in patients with rare tumors, including mesothelioma. Ipilimumab and nivolumab are types of immunotherapy that may work together to activate the immune system against cancer cells. The study intends to enroll 400 patients who are at least 18 years old, have histologically confirmed rare tumors, and have measurable disease or a high risk of recurrence. Patients will receive the treatment every three weeks for up to two years, and the study will follow up with them for up to five years. The primary outcome measures are the objective response rate, the progression-free survival rate, and the overall survival rate, as well as the safety and tolerability of the treatment.
Study 3: Phase I Study of Intravenous CRS-207 and Intravenous GVAX Pancreas in Pancreatic Cancer with or without Concurrent Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide
This study is being conducted by Aduro Biotech, Inc. and aims to assess the safety and efficacy of CRS-207 and GVAX Pancreas in combination with or without low-dose cyclophosphamide in patients with pancreatic cancer, mesothelioma, or ovarian cancer. CRS-207 is a type of immunotherapy that may stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells that express the mesothelin antigen. GVAX Pancreas is a type of immunotherapy that may also activate the immune system against cancer cells. Cyclophosphamide is a type of chemotherapy that may help the immunotherapy work better. The study intends to enroll 36 patients who are at least 18 years old, have measurable disease or recurrent disease, and have adequate organ function. Patients will receive the treatment every three weeks for up to six months, and the study will follow up with them for up to one year. The primary outcome measure is the safety and tolerability of the treatment, as well as the objective response rate and the progression-free survival rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers the organs in the body, such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many industries and products until the 1970s. Mesothelioma may take decades to deve
lop after the exposure, and its symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, weight loss, and fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen. Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, and most patients survive less than 18 months after diagnosis.
FAQ 2: What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials may involve new drugs, surgery techniques, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Clinical trials may also compare the new treatment to the standard treatment or a placebo. Clinical trials are conducted in several phases and involve human volunteers who have the condition being studied. Clinical trials may benefit patients by providing access to cutting-edge treatments, contributing to finding a cure, and improving the quality of life of patients. However, clinical trials also involve risks and uncertainties, and patients should be fully informed and consent to participate.
FAQ 3: Why are clinical trials important in mesothelioma treatment?
Clinical trials are important in mesothelioma treatment because there are currently limited options available for patients, and the standard treatments may not be effective for everyone. Clinical trials may provide new treatments or combinations that may be more effective, safer, or have fewer side effects than the standard treatments. Clinical trials may also contribute to finding a cure for mesothelioma and improving the quality of life of patients. Mesothelioma patients may benefit from clinical trials by receiving cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the public. However, clinical trials also involve risks and uncertainties, and patients should consult with their doctor and the clinical trial’s coordinator about the potential benefits and risks.
FAQ 4: How are elderly patients considered in clinical trials?
Elderly patients may be included or excluded from clinical trials based on several factors, such as the type and stage of mesothelioma, the patient’s overall health status, and the specific goals of the study. Some clinical trials may have age limits, such as only enrolling patients under 65 or over 75 years old. However, many clinical trials do not have age limits and evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis. The patient’s consent and willingness to participate in the trial are also important factors. The clinical trial’s protocol may also consider the special needs and risks of elderly patients, such as adjusting the dosage or frequency of the treatment or providing additional support and resources.
FAQ 5: Do elderly patients have a lower survival rate in mesothelioma?
Elderly patients with mesothelioma may have a lower survival rate than younger patients, but this may vary depending on several factors, such as the patient’s overall health status, the type and stage of mesothelioma, and the treatment received. However, age should not be the only factor considered when deciding on the treatment for mesothelioma. Many elderly patients with mesothelioma have received successful treatments, and some clinical trials have shown that elderly patients who participate in clinical trials have a better overall survival rate than those who did not.
FAQ 6: What are the risks and benefits of clinical trials?
Clinical trials involve risks and benefits that patients should be fully informed and consent to participate. The potential benefits of clinical trials may include access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the public, contributing to finding a cure for mesothelioma, and improving the quality of life of patients. The potential risks of clinical trials may include side effects from the treatment, unknown or unexpected effects of the treatment, and the possibility of receiving a placebo or a less effective treatment. Patients should consult with their doctor and the clinical trial’s coordinator about the potential benefits and risks of each clinical trial and consider their own values, preferences, and priorities.
FAQ 7: How can I find a mesothelioma clinical trial that includes elderly patients?
There are several ways to find mesothelioma clinical trials that specifically include elderly patients. One way is to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider, who may be aware of current clinical trials in your area or specialized in mesothelioma treatment. Another way is to search for clinical trials online or through mesothelioma advocacy groups, such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation or the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. Make sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria, potential benefits and risks, and the location and duration of the clinical trial before applying or enrolling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clinical trials are a critical component of mesothelioma treatment, and including elderly patients in clinical trials is essential for achieving better outcomes and advancing the field. Elderly patients should not be excluded from clinical trials based solely on their age, and their participation should be based on comprehensive assessments of their health status and informed consent. Mesothelioma clinical trials that include elderly patients may provide more comprehensive data on how the treatment affects patients of different ages, genders, races, and health conditions. We encourage mesothelioma patients and their families to talk to their doctor about participating in clinical trials and explore the available resources to find suitable trials.
Thank you for reading, and we wish you and your loved ones the best of health.
Further Reading
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The author and publisher of this article make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the article or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
