There are also several consultant-led clinics and hospitals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands that specialise in this therapy.

Mistletoe therapy improves and strengthens the natural defenses of the body through a supportive effect on the immune system, and has been shown to ease the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Mistletoe therapy can also help cancer patients cope with symptoms like fatigue, nausea, digestive problems and weight loss, sleeplessness, low mood, recurring infections and pain.

Joan van Holsteijn, age 53 (above) refused chemotherapy and believes that she fought the cancer by using Mistletoe instead. She had a large tumour in her leg has since had the all-clear since Mistletoe treatment. In a statement she said that she owes her life to Mistletoe and is grateful for such treatment.

In the UK Mistletoe therapy is available via private Homoeopathic Hospitals and clinics, such as ‘Park Attwood’ a non-profit charitable organisation, and up until recently – UK cancer patients – who cannot afford the Mistletoe Therapy have had their treatment funded by the NHS.   

However – such funding is being withdrawn by the UK Government along side other complimentary therapies. This means that it will be no longer available for funding on the NHS – leaving cancer patients who have faith in and draw strength from complimentary medicine like Mistletoe treatment – to try and pay for the treatment themselves.

Debbie Brewer –  (below) A UK resident who was diagnosed with Mesothelioma (a rare lung cancer caused by asbestos inhalation) in 2006, received Mistletoe Therapy at the ‘Park Atwood’ Clinic  in 2008. She had the treatment along side a pioneering treatment called Chemoembolization.

Debbie has a lot of faith in Mistletoe Therapy and she knows from her own experience with the treatment how important it will be to other cancer sufferers like her self. She has currently set up a government petition asking that funding for Mistletoe Therapy will continue to be available on the NHS. An excerpt from her petition reads:

“We hope that the government can look into supporting patients who have found their treatment works, even in a psychological way, please don’t remove what little hope and faith patients have. Mesothelioma has very little open to it that helps patients, taking mistletoe away from these patients is cruel and heartless”

Please support and sign Debbie’s Petition here:

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/mistletoe.html

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What is pawpaw?

The pawpaw is a large shrub that can be found in many areas of North America. The fruit looks like a large yellowish/green berry and is approximately between 5 and15 centimeters in length, and contains brown coloured seeds embedded in its soft fruit pulp. According to many who have eaten the fruit – it tastes really delicious like a creamy coconut banana flavour. The fruit is not viable commercially as it rapidly spoils once harvested. It also contains high nutrients, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

People tend to think that the fruit is related to papaya fruit as it is similar in appearance but the two fruits are not at all related. Pawpaw consists of approximately 8 different varieties and one of them in particular – ‘Asimina triloba’ has been scientifically researched for its potential medicinal properties. Dr. J. Mclaughen a Professor of ‘Pharmacognosy’ at Purdue University, and who has studied this particular species for the past 20 years found it to contain a special compound called ‘annonaceous acetogenins’. Acetogenin is a natural fatty acid and possesses some very unique properties. In laboratory trials – the special compound was found to exhibit powerful properties in fighting cancer cells.

Pawpaw Fruit

Dr. McLaughlin discovered that powerful acetogenins were not plentiful in the pawpaw fruit as they were in twigs and that acetogenin levels varied during different seasons, i.e. the acetogenin levels tended to peak in the month of may.

How does pawpaw work on cancer cells?

Pawpaw has been shown to be 300 times more potent than the chemotherapy drug ‘Taxol’, and more powerful than ‘cisplatin’ . The acetogenins in pawpaw inhibit the production of cellular energy in abnormal cells, as well as inhibit potential blood vessels developing around abnormal cells, thus preventing transporting and metastasizing (spread) of cancer cells.

A recent experimental study was carried out to test ‘Nature’s Sunshine Product’ (Dr. McLaughlin’s official patented pawpaw product) including 130 cancer patients. Although the results were promising, i.e. CT scans showed many significant reductions in abnormal growth size, Pawpaw has not been endorsed within the medical profession as double-blind studies have not been carried out.

From my research concerning Dr. McLaughlin’s credibility and work with Pawpaw – I feel that he is certainly no ‘quack’, he was first assigned in the 70’s to find and study botanical sources of anti-carcinoma potential and he poured his heart into finding an answer for the next 25 years (he is now retired).  He has published over 100 articles in relation to the health benefits of Pawpaw compounds and has won prestigious awards for his work. Dr. McLaughlin’s official site concerning pawpaw research can be found here: http://www.pawpawresearch.com

Pawpaw extends life of mesothelioma patient

I came across this article concerning a patient with mesothelioma – Marie Augustine was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007 and she claims that Pawpaw helped her combat the disease.

http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/paw-paw-extends-life-of-mesothelioma-patient

Warning: If you want to consider Pawpaw as a supplement to your existing treatment then do a little research, i.e. look on cancer forums to get advice/ feedback from anyone who is taking it or has used it, check side-effects if any.

 Where can I buy Pawpaw?

Don’t just rush ahead . . .  and buy anything that claims to contain Pawpaw as I have found that several companies have jumped on the band wagon and claim to have the product, however – these are merely weak imitators of Dr. McLaughlin’s official licensed product. The official ‘NSP’ product’ Paw Paw Cell Reg’can be found here.

http://www.healthy-sunshine.com/paw-paw-cell-reg.asp

Official Pawpaw Supplements

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Researchers have tested a potential vaccine to treat mesothelioma, a rare cancer predominantly caused by asbestos inhalation. The vaccine, was found to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors by infusing dendritic cells (DC) with antigen. Mesothelioma – still on the rise and expected to continue until 2020 has sparked considerable interest such as’ immunotherapy’ treatment ( uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells).

This T cell (blue), one of the immune system’s principal means of defense, identifies the molecular signature of a dendritic cell (gray) at a contact point

The study – carried out by Joachim G Aerts M.D., Ph.D., pulmonary physician, Erasmus Medical Centre Netherlands, was a first of its kind involving DC-based immunotherapy in human patients with mesothelioma, and was previously demonstrated in mice with promising results.

Dr. Aerts and colleagues recruited ten recently diagnosed patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (epithelial subtype). Dendtritic cells were cultured from the patient’s blood and the DC exposed to the antigen (produced by the patients’ tumours) The dendritic cells – once matured, were injected back into the patients in 3 doses over a 2 week period.  The activated cells are reintroduced into the body, find their way to a lymph node and interact with T-cells to induce an anti-tumour response

Serum samples were then taken from patients which presented in a significant increase of antibodies. 4 patients showed a clear induction of cytotoxicity (toxic to cells) against their own tumours and another 3 patients showed signs of tumour reduction. Although tumour regression appeared after the vaccinations – the results could not be solely attributed to the vaccine.

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UK Patients suffering from a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure called ‘mesothelioma’ are in great need of a specialised treatment that is only available in Germany.

Debbie Brewer was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006. After conventional chemotherapy, in 2008, she was told that not only her tumour had grown, but it was growing around her heart. Debbie then heard about a Professor in Germany ‘Professor Thomas. J. Vogl’ that was trialing a new treatment called chemoembolisation, and felt that the treatment may be her last hope. After 6 treatments her tumour shrunk by 83%, giving her partial remission.

I first knew of Debbie’s story when I came across her on Facebook. She had not only embarked on a mission to set up a petition for a chemoembolisation trial to treat mesothelioma in the UK in 2009, but was also promoting Dr. Vogl’s treatment; bringing hope to many other mesothelioma sufferers, like herself, who had been left with very little or no hope. Debbie’s story is an incredible testimony to what chemoembolisation treatment has done for her and her family, and her gratitude is poignantly evident on the facebook page that she has set up and dedicated to Dr. Vogl. She states:

“Please join me in thanking this amazing man, without people like him in the world who are prepared to go out on a limb, a lot of people would have no hope. The Professor has given me back my life, the greatest gift any human being could give another. There is not enough thanks in the world that would compare to what he has done for me and many others”.

Debbie continues to be a wonderful support to fellow mesothelioma sufferers and is an inspiration to all that have the privilege of knowing her.

The treatment called ‘Transpulmonary chemoembolisation’ is more effective than conventional chemotherapy as the drugs are injected directly into a tumour. Many UK patients who have travelled to Professor Vogl’s Clinic in Germany for the treatment say that not only their quality of life has been improved, but also prolonged.

For example – one patient – Ron Bonfield, age 70, from Devon, spent £22,000 of his own savings on the treatment. Chemoembolisation has transformed his health and now he is in remission. ‘Devon Primary Care Trust’ funded one of his five courses of treatment, but the funding is limited and has now ceased. Ron was recently on ‘The Politics show South West’ (31st January 2010) and he expressed his frustration regarding lack of UK NHS funding and treatment . . .

“I’m quite upset, knowing that there is a treatment out there that can prolong my life, not just by months, but by years and also give me a quality of life, but the NHS seem to bury their head in the sand and don’t want to know about it”.

Ron’s case has been backed by his local MP Geoffrey Cox, and he has written to the Health Secretary in support of mesothelioma patients.

Another mesothelioma sufferer ‘Gary Meager’ who sent a letter to the Politics show in support of chemoembolisation treatment wrote:

“Just like Ron Bonfield, I have been to Germany (at a cost of £24,000.00 all inclusive of travel and subsistence) to be treated by the same specialist (Prof. Dr. Th. J. Vogl at the department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology). I have also received the same outcome to the treatment and the same response from my PCT. (referring to Devon Primary Trust). Patients with other cancers are being treated in the UK by the same procedure. Patients with other cancers e.g. Kidney cancer are receiving treatment at costs that far exceed the Mesothelioma treatment in Germany. It’s about time the UK Government recognised the treatment. How much more evidence of benefit to patients is do the PCT’s need to enable them to understand the benefits are apparent”.

Dawn Veal – a nurse and who helps run a support group in Devon for patients with mesothelioma, rightly points out on the Politics Show that the drugs used in chemoembolisation are recognised by the ‘National Institute for Clinical Excellence’, who audit medications in the UK. She stated

 “so we have the drugs, we have the technique, what we need now is a trial to allow people to actually explore this technique for extension of life”.

Jenny Hill also wrote to the Politics show on behalf of her husband:

My husband (Ricky Hill) was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 09. In May 09 he started chemotherapy of Cisplatin & Alitma. It made him very sick and ill and he spent most of the time in bed. Prior to each chemo treatment he had to have 2 units of blood because the treatment had made his blood count low. He had a scan after the 4th treatment and saw the oncologist. He said the treatment had not done anything to reduce the mesothelioma and he didn’t think he should continue with the remaining two treatments as they were making him so ill. He could not offer him an alternative treatment and was very much doom and gloom.

My daughter researched the internet and found Prof Vogl in Frankfurt hospital Germany offering chemoembolisation treatment trial for mesothelioma. She sent him my husband’s medical records and within a week my husband was in Germany having his first treatment of chemoembolisation (01/09/09) he had 3 further treatments at monthly intervals. He had a scan after each procedure and the results were good and promising. At the 4th treatment on the 18th Dec 09 he had a scan of the results from the 3rd treatment. He was told that the mesothelioma was totally dormant and no new activity elsewhere. He would not require any further treatment at this time. He now has an appointment for a scan on the 19th February. The side effects of the chemoembolisation were less severe to the normal chemotherapy he had previously. He felt sick for about a week after each of the treatments but he was able to carry on as normal. He now feels very well and is able to carry on a normal day to day life.

We had to pay over £20,000 for this treatment. His oncologist did not refer him for this treatment and would therefore not sign the forms for funding of this treatment by the Health Commission Wales. There is very little or no research for alternative treatment being carried out in the UK for mesothelioma.

The chemoembolisation treatment is working for my husband and others with this terrible illness and we believe that funding should be made available for this treatment. This treatment should be made available to all who need it not just to those that can afford to pay for it. Without this treatment my husband would not be here today. There is no cure at the moment for this illness and without the funding for research there is never going to be a cure. It is bad enough that my husband has to fight off this disease he should not have to fight for the right to have payment for the treatment he needs. Many others who have been to Germany for the chemembolisation treatment have had good results and seen an improvement in their condition.

What Does The Devon Primary Care Trust Have To Say?

In a statement Devon Primary Care Trust states:

“Local experts in the treatment of lung cancer do not wish to use the procedure…until more evidence of benefit to patients has become apparent. That said in this case there appears to be early indications that the treatment may be leading to some improvement. Although there is no application for funding pending…should future applications be received we would take into account the latest clinical and personal information before coming to a decision.”

Surely Personal Testimonies Are Evident Enough That Chemoembolisation Treatment Is Beneficial To Mesothelioma Patients?

For instance – One only has to go on Facebook (all links provided at the end of this article) to see how many mesothelioma sufferers are benefiting from chemoembolisation treatment. But I have corresponded with many of them – and I am deeply saddened by the unnecessary anxiety they have had to endure, (and some still have to) – such as having to travel to an unfamiliar country when they are ill, flight booking, (some during threats of delays) hotel searching, (that charge extortionate high season rates) making care arrangements for their children, and on top of all this – having to finance their own treatment!

Could you imagine how less stressful it would be for mesothelioma sufferers if chemoembolisation was available nearer to home, and they received relevant funding? Chemoembolisation therapy is commonly used in the treatment of liver cancer in the UK, so why not mesothelioma? It is time we had a clinical trial in the UK, and the 4 following facts tell us why:

1. Personal testimonies prove that chemoembolisation treatment is beneficial and prolongs life
2. There has been no reports of devastating side-effects from the treatment and evidence suggests that it is well-tolerated
3. UK consultants support chemoembolisation, acknowledging tumour reduction
4. Chemoembolisation costs about the same as conventional chemotherapy in the UK.

Note: If you feel that you could have any input in any way that would bring a clinical trial for chemoembolisation treatment for mesothelioma a step closer in the UK, relevant contacts are at the end of this page.

More inspiring and poignant testimonies in support of chemoembolisation treatment here:

Many thanks to you to all who have shared your story and participated in this article:

Debbie Brewer, Ron Bonfield, Gary Meager, Dawn Veal, Jenny & Ricky Hill, Veronica White, Keith & Judith Turnbull.

Written by Ann-Marie Waters.

Contacts:

Debbie Brewer website:  http://www.mesothelioma-and-me.com/

Debbie Brewers dedicated page -Professor Thomas Vogl, Mesothelioma angel:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=263532046239&ref=ts#!

Veronica White Website:  http://ronnywhite.blogspot.com/

PROFESSOR THOMAS VOGL

Johann Wolfgang Goethe

University Clinic (23c)

Theodor Stern Kai 7

760590

Frankfurt am Main

Tel : 00496963017277

Email : T.Vogl@em.uni-frankfurt.de

The Devon Primary Care Trust – NHS Devon, Commissioning Headquarters, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QL Telephone: 01392 205205 or 0845 140 5005.

Email corporateservices.devonpct@nhs.net

BBC iPlayer – The Politics Show South West: 07/02/2010 www.bbc.co.uk

Mesothelioma – petition response August 2009:  http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page20326

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Chemoembolization is a medical procedure used predominantly in the treatment of liver cancer.  

The treatment is more effective as it allows a far higher concentration of anti-cancer drugs (20 times higher than conventional chemotherapy drugs) in direct contact with the tumour for a longer duration. It works best in patients in where the tumour is more localised.

 In 2006 a UK resident ‘Debbie Brewer’ age 47 (below) was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a rare type of cancer that is predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos. Her prognosis was bleak as she was told that she had between 6 and 9 months to live. Debbie looked in to alternative treatments and went to visit Harley Street cancer specialist ‘Dr. Etienne Callebout’. Dr. Callebout is one of the finest ‘alternative cancer treatment’ specialists – and cancer patients often turn to him when conventional treatment has proved little hope.  

Dr. Callebout offered Debbie valuable advice regarding nutrition and also informed her about Professor Thomas Vogl. Professor Vogl is head of the ‘Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, J.W. Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany. He pioneered a clinical trial to test whether chemoembolization would treat mesothelioma tumours and the results were promising. Debbie made an appointment to see Professor Vogl in Germany and he agreed that she was a good candidate for chemoembolization treatment. After several treatments – Debbie’s tumour shrunk by 80%, not only prolonging her life but she is hopeful that she is now in full remission. Despite her personal battle with mesothelioma – Debbie has shown much gratitude and enthusiasm regarding Professor Vogl’s treatment by highlighting his pioneering treatment and bringing new hope to others. In 2009 Debbie launched a petition asking the UK government that chemoembolization clinical trials would be available to mesothelioma patients in the UK, and has also highlighted the treatment on her blog:

 mesotheliomaandme.blogspot.com and facebook account.

Professor Vogl treats approximately 20 mesothelioma patients per year. The NHS does not fund chemoembolization treatment – hence Debbie had to pay around £20.000 for hers, and currently there are no plans of chemoembolization trials for mesothelioma patients in the UK. But hopefully – more public awareness of this type of treatment and further campaigning may render it available in the UK.

 Read Debbie’s personal story concerning her mesothelioma treatment here

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Pleural Biopsy

The fluid and the tissue collected from the pleural biopsy will be sent to either a pathologist or cytologist. The cells will be examined under a microscope to determine whether mesothelioma is present. The fuid will be stained with a special fluid which will distinguish cancer cells from non-cancerous ones. This process is called ‘immunostaining’. After your biopsy – a chest xray is normally performed, this is to ensure that you have suffered no complications from the biopsy – such as accumulation of air in the chest (pneumothorax). This will also be able to predict whether enough fluid has been drawn from the chest – allowing for normal lung expansion.

Thoracoscopy

 If the semi-invasive test is inadequate or a CT scan reveals that fluid is not flowing freely but hidden in pockets that are difficult to reach – then A thoracoscopy (lighted scope) with or without connected camera, will be inserted into the chest cavity. If the physician sees any tissue that looks abnormal – a small piece of tissue will be cut out for inspection under a microscope.

Peritoneoscopy

A peritoneoscopy is similar to a thoracoscopy but involves close examination of the abdemen. If the radiolic tests indicate that there is more solid tumour than fluid – an open biopsy will be performed by a thoracic surgeon. He may remove a small piece of rib to allow a better view ogf the thickened pleura. A good size piece of the thickened pleura will be cut away (approx 1-1.5 diameter) to ensure an adequate diagnosis can be made. This procedure is carried out under general anesthetic and you may need some pain relief if you are experiencing any after pain or discomfort associated with the procedure.

Moreover – Sometimes physicians may want to give a dose of radiation to the sites where boipsies have been performed. This is because mesothelioma has a tendency to grow tumours at biopsy sites and the radiation will inhibit cell growth.

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Tests showed that Lovastatin inhibited mesothelioma cell viability (cell growth) – see labatory slides below, i.e. reference figure (A) compared to untreated mesothelial cells – reference figure (B).

Both chemotherapy and radiation treatment for mesothelioma have been shown to produce toxic side effects for mesothelioma patients and is not considered as a cure for mesothelioma, whereas Lovastatin is a widely used and well tolerated pharmaceutical drug that can substantially inhibit mesothelioma growth and   promote tumour-cell apoptosis (cell death).

Dr. Dan Sterman’ one of the worlds leading researchers on gene therapy from the University of Pennsylvania points out that it would be a little premature to get too excited at this stage as Lovastatin has only been tested on mesothelial cells in vitro (test tube), Also, like with many rarer diseases  - companies tend to target the more prevalent diseases, thus making it more difficult to fund the resources that are necessary to finance the very much needed clinical trials.

 Hopefully – It won’t be too long before Lovastatin can offer fresh hope to mesothelioma sufferers.

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• Pemetrexed (Alimta)
• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin (paraplatin)

 Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos and is a rare cancer that develops in the ‘mesothelial cells’ The mesothelium cells make up the mesothelium, which is a thin membrane acts as a protective layer and lines many of the body’s organs. Malignant pleural mesothelioma, develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura or pleural membrane.

Commonly used drugs to treat pleural mesothelioma

Pemetrexed (Alimta) is in powder form and administered by injection. Alimta is given in combination with cisplatin as it appears to be a more effective treatment for patients suffering from ‘malignant pleural mesothelioma’ and whose disease is not suitable for curative surgery. Alimta is considered to be a toxic drug and therefore – to reduce toxicity, patients taking Alimta are prescribed a low daily dose of oral ‘folic acid’ or multivitamins containing folic acid.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is more widely used than Alimta as it is used to treat various types of cancer such as testicular, lung, and bladder cancer. Cisplatin is used with Alimta as the drug forms DNA cross-links via the platinum which damage cancer cells, hence destroying them and discouraging cell division.

Carboplatin is chemically different from cisplatin as it is a larger molecule. This slows down the metabolic breakdown of the agent (which enables it to be in the body longer) thus reducing the rate of formation of toxic by-products. Carboplatin is an Alkylating agent and Alkylating agents are usually considered of greatest value in treating slow-growing cancers

Peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma – (cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity) is less common than pleural mesothelioma, comprising approximately 1/5th – 1/3rd of the total number of cases of pleural mesothelioma diagnosed.

Intravenously used drugs to treat peritoneal mesothelioma via the abdomen.

• Cisplatin & Doxorubicin  
• Heated Cisplatin & Mitomycin  
• Mitomycin
• Fluorouracil & Paclitaxel

Doxorubicin works effectively by binding itself to the cancer cells DNA, inhibiting a significant enzyme (topo-isomerase II).  Thus disrupting the DNA, and preventing new cancer cell growth and division.

Mitomycin is classified as an anti-tumour antibiotic and is predominantly used as treatment for bladder cancer. Mitomycin works by adhering itself within the strands of genetic material (DNA) and binding them together. This prevents the cell from producing genetic material (DNA), thus preventing the cell from dividing.

Flourouracil is also commonly known as ‘FU’ or ‘5FU’ and is one of the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of cancer. Fluorouracil is an anti-metabolite drug.  Anti-metabolites are similarly structured to normal body molecules but possess a slightly different make-up.  It is these differences that enable anti-metabolites to prevent cells from functioning properly. Hence – preventing cell growth and division.

  Paclitaxel – also known by the brand names of ‘Taxo’l and ‘Abraxane’ is a chemotherapy drug and derives from the bark of a yew tree.  It works by preventing cancer cells dividing into 2 new cells, hence- blocking the growth of the cancer.  

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Mesothelioma and its treatment can cause a loss of ones normal appetite. This occurs due to a number of reasons, such as:

• Depression
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain
• Tumour growth
• Breathing difficulties
• Chemotherapy (nausea, change of taste & smell)

chemotherapy can cause normal cells that line your mouth and stomach, and intestines to be irritated or destroyed, thus causing food and fluids to taste differently. They may even taste bitter or metallic or sometimes sweet. Once chemotherapy has stopped – appetite returns to normal approximately after a six week period of adjustment.

It is very important that you try and eat as much as you can during your chemotherapy treatment. You will need to maintain your weight and overall strength. Patients who eat well seem to be able to cope better and fight off  any infection easier as their immune system is stronger than those lacking in vital nutrients.

What can I do if I have lost my appetite?

The best thing to do is to eat anything you want and as much as you like. I.e. if you fancy jelly and ice-cream at 12 mid-night then eat it. The following is a list of suggestions that may help you.

• Snack frequently
• Eat high protein and calorie foods
• Add protein powder to milk if you are experiencing a particularly bad day
• Try and do a little walking outdoors or enjoyable activity to boost your appetite
• Don’t drink with meals (can make you feel full)
• Don’t use stainless steel utensils if experiencing metallic tastes (try plastic)
• Add a wide variety of foods to your menu (try lots of different food)

If you are experiencing severe appetite problems – you will need to consult your doctor or specialist as patients suffering from cancer can develop a serious problem called ‘cachexia‘. Cachexia is a condition that causes a breakdown in muscle mass in patients with chronical a illness. Your doctor can prescribe an appetite stimulant such as ‘megace‘ which will helpfully boost your appetite.

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They are disigned to answer specific questions and give information on the safest and most effective ways to treat cancer. Patients who participate in these trials not only maake contributions to science but are made available to the general public. The Food and Drug Agency A dministration (FDA) oversees these clinical trials and allows certain promising drugs to be used before they are approved for every day use. All experiment protocols must be thouroughly assessed by the Investigational Review Board (IRB) of the hospital or institution prior to a patient entering the clinic.

A clinical trial has three stages:

The first stage – (phase 1 trials) are the earliest studies of a new treatment. The goal of this stage is to find out the proper dose that should be given to indentify potential side effects.

The second stage - ) phase 2 trial) the new treatment has been found to have some anticancer activity and is being used to treat a particular type of cancer to see how well it works and to obtain more information about its effectiveness and safety.

The third stage – (phase 3 trial) is used to see how well it works with the current standard treatment that has already been proven effective for that type of cancer. In this particular phase – doctors are trying to find out whether the new treatment is better than or equal to the one that is currently being used. These type of  have two or more treatments that are being compared.

Note: It is generally a patients decision whether to enter into a clinical trial. And you will never be coerced into a trial or without your written consent. You will also be able to enter a clinical trial without any obligation and have the right to abandon the trial at any stage of the treatment.

Sources: Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma. Harvey IPass, MD. Laura Roy. RN, Susan Vento.

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