Mesothelioma and Asbestos

When a person with mesothelioma or another class of cancer is exploring treatment options for the disease, a healthcare professional may suggest a clinical trial. But how can a patient educate him or herself about clinical trials as well as determine whether participating in a clinical trial is the fair treatment option?

The nonprofit Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups seeks to answer these questions. The coalition—comprised of members of 10 National Cancer Institute-sponsored groups, patient advocacy organizations as well as oncology as well as cancer research specialists—aims to improve patient awareness of cancer clinical trials, facilitate access as well as promote participation in trials.

The coalition’s comprehensive website has a distinguished section for cancer patients with both common information about clinical trials as well as descriptions of current trials for specific types of cancer. By submitting a few basic pieces of information such as zip code as well as class of cancer, the site will provide listings of treatment as well as supportive care trials, as well as the distance of these trials from the patient’s home. The patient can then click on a trial’s listing for a more detailed description as well as contact information.

Additionally, the site offers informational sections for health care professionals as well as patient advocates, as well as news articles as well as press releases about clinical trials. There is as well as a list of questions a patient can consult his or her healthcare professional about clinical trials.

To learn more, visit the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups’ website at www.cancertrialshelp.org.