Discover How Mercy Hospital is Helping Mesothelioma Patients Through Clinical Trials
Welcome readers! Are you searching for the latest developments in mesothelioma treatment? Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explain how Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is providing hope to mesothelioma patients through clinical trials. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a natural mineral that was widely used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years to manifest, meaning many individuals who were exposed to asbestos in the 20th century are only now being diagnosed.
Recent studies show that mesothelioma affects 2,500 to 3,000 individuals annually in the United States, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective mesothelioma treatments. Fortunately, Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is at the forefront of mesothelioma research and treatment.
Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be a candidate for one of the clinical trials at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA. Clinical trials are a critical part of developing new and effective treatments for mesothelioma. Mercy Hospital offers several mesothelioma clinical trials, including:
| Study | Drug/Intervention | Age Range | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma Tissue Bank – Biobanking | N/A | 18+ | N/A |
| A Phase 1 Study of the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of INCB001158 in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors | INCB001158 | 18+ | Phase 1 |
| A Phase II Trial of Hypofractionated High-Dose Radiation Therapy with Concurrent Anti-PD-L1 Antibody MEDI4736 in Patients with Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma | MEDI4736 | 18+ | Phase 2 |
| A Phase 1/2, Open-label, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pemigatinib Plus Pembrolizumab in Subjects With Locally Advanced/Metastatic Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (LEMPM) | Pemigatinib and Pembrolizumab | 18+ | Phase 1/2 |
These clinical trials offer new treatments for mesothelioma that can improve outcomes, decrease symptoms, and increase quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA clinical trials for mesothelioma.
What is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is a research study conducted with human subjects to evaluate a new medical treatment or intervention. Clinical trials are the final step in the development of new treatments before they can be approved for public use. Through clinical trials, researchers can identify the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, as well as potential side effects. Clinical trials are critical to improving treatment options for mesothelioma patients.
What are the Benefits of Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials offer many potential benefits for mesothelioma patients, including:
- Access to new and experimental treatments
- Access to experienced medical professionals and specialized care
- Possible improvement of cancer symptoms
- Possible improvement of quality of life
How Do Clinical Trials Work?
Clinical trials follow a strict protocol and have several phases:
Phase 1:
Phase 1 clinical trials are the first stage of testing a new treatment on humans. These trials are designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the treatment in a small group of patients. The primary goal of these trials is to identify potential side effects and determine the safest dosage of the treatment.
Phase 2:
Phase 2 clinical trials are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment in a larger group of patients. These trials are conducted after Phase 1 trials have determined the safe dosage. The primary goal of these trials is to determine how well the treatment works and its potential side effects.
Phase 3:
Phase 3 clinical trials are large-scale trials that compare the new treatment to a standard treatment or a placebo. These trials are designed to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and potential benefits of the treatment in a large group of patients. The primary goal of these trials is to determine if the new treatment is better than the standard treatment.
Phase 4:
Phase 4 clinical trials are conducted after a treatment has been approved for public use. These trials are designed to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of the treatment in a large group of patients.
How to Participate in a Clinical Trial at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in a clinical trial at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA, there are several steps you should take:
- Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about the clinical trial options available to you.
- Contact Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA to schedule a consultation with a clinical trial specialist who can review your medical history and determine if you are eligible for a clinical trial.
- Undergo a screening process to determine if you meet the criteria for the clinical trial.
- Sign an informed consent form, which explains the risks and benefits of the clinical trial.
- Participate in the clinical trial and follow the protocol requirements.
Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA Mesothelioma Treatment
Along with clinical trials, Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA offers various mesothelioma treatments. Some of these treatments include:
- Surgery – removing the tumor and surrounding tissue
- Chemotherapy – using drugs to kill cancer cells
- Radiation – using high-energy waves to kill cancer cells
- Immunotherapy – using the immune system to fight cancer
Why Choose Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA?
Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is a nationally recognized healthcare provider that offers state-of-the-art medical care, including mesothelioma treatment and clinical trials. With a team of experienced medical professionals and advanced technology, Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is committed to providing the highest quality of care for mesothelioma patients.
FAQs About Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA and Mesothelioma
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and weight loss.
What is Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA?
Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is a nationally recognized healthcare provider that offers state-of-the-art medical care, including mesothelioma treatment and clinical trials.
What are the different types of mesothelioma?
The different types of mesothelioma include pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the abdomen), and pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the heart).
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include radiation exposure and a family history of mesothelioma.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?
The treatment options for mesothelioma include
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study conducted with human subjects to evaluate a new medical treatment or intervention.
What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
The benefits of participating in a clinical trial include access to new and experimental treatments, experienced medical professionals, and specialized care.
How do I participate in a clinical trial at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA?
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in a clinical trial at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about the clinical trial options available to you. Contact Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA to schedule a consultation with a clinical trial specialist who can review your medical history and determine if you are eligible for a clinical trial.
What treatments does Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA offer for mesothelioma?
Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA offers surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy for mesothelioma.
Why should I choose Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA for mesothelioma treatment?
Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is a nationally recognized healthcare provider that offers state-of-the-art medical care, including mesothelioma treatment and clinical trials. With a team of experienced medical professionals and advanced technology, Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is committed to providing the highest quality of care for mesothelioma patients.
What is the 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma?
The 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is less than 10%.
What are the side effects of mesothelioma treatment?
The side effects of mesothelioma treatment depend on the type of treatment used. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and skin irritation.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that affects thousands of individuals in the United States each year. Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA is committed to providing hope to mesothelioma patients through clinical trials and advanced treatments. By participating in a clinical trial at Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA, you can access new and experimental treatments that can improve your quality of life and potentially extend your life expectancy. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we encourage you to reach out to Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA and learn more about clinical trial options.
Thank you for reading our article. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Together, we can work towards ending the devastating effects of mesothelioma.
Closing/Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Mercy Hospital Wilkes Barre PA does not endorse any specific treatments or clinical trials mentioned in this article.
