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Mesothelioma Clinical Trial: Patients
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The NCI sponsors clinical trials around the country. There is no charge for medical care at NCI-sponsored clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland but patients are responsible for travel costs for their initial screening visit. Usually, once a patient is enrolled in a trial there, the NCI covers transportation costs for all later visits for patients who do not live locally and these patients usually receive a small daily amount for food and lodging expenses if they are being treated as outpatients. You can search their site for more information.
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Clinical trials are used as a research tool for future treatments, and are not guaranteed to work. However, they do offer another treatment option, and provide patients with an opportunity to contribute to a future cure. For these reasons, the good from these trials usually outweighs any risk involved.
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Medicare reimburses certain patient care costs in clinical trials. See their website or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). In NCI-sponsored trials, TRICARE, the Department of Defense's healthcare program covers certain patient care costs and the VA covers certain costs for eligible veterans. See the cancer.gov website for more information.
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Many people elect to participate in clinical trials for a variety of reasons. Many want a more direct involvement in the treatment they receive; others want to take a more active role in helping others with their condition, and patients with terminal afflictions such as mesothelioma feel that they do not have anything to lose by trying new treatments. These brave individuals greatly contribute to the understanding of their condition and further medical science’s options for treating mesothelioma.
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Clinical trials are usually carried out after laboratory and animal testing, so the conductors of the trials already know that the drugs being tested have some level of effectiveness. The criteria for those wishing to take part in clinical trials can vary from one state to another, and procedures may take place in an out-patient setting or in a clinic depending on where the trial is being held.
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The downside of clinical trials is that patients are participating in an experimental study. Results may be positive and helpful, inconclusive, or negative. There are no guarantees. You should carefully consult with your physician before you decide to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial. Consider your own needs and desires, as well as your health status.
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