Generally, research for mesothelioma starts in a laboratory with initial testing on lab mice in which, when deemed successful and the parameters of the research have met the guidelines imposed by the federal government for human use, the treatment is considered safe for trial.

 The purpose of clinical trials is to test new treatments, medications and therapies on patients with a particular disease. They may also try new forms of conventional treatments like chemotherapy or new ways of conducting radiation to the affected area of the patient's body. Some clinical trials may also address non-traditional treatments such as immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and gene therapy.

Patients who want to participate in these trials should be aware of some basic information prior to deciding. Oncologists would know what trials are available and can determine easily who qualifies for a particular trial but it will be best for the patient to have an informed decision.

Phases of Clinical Trial

Typically, mesothelioma is diagnosed in Stage III or IV but some clinical trials are aimed at looking for new ways of earlier detection of the disease. These types of trials are being done with people who do not have the illness but have a high probability for developing it. Whatever type of clinical trial, patients will be actively involved all throughout the process. There are different qualifications and not everyone will qualify for every step of the trial.

Phase I – In this phase, researchers find out the basic information concerning any new treatment that is being considered for mass distribution. Method of administration and dosage are the factors considered here.

Phase II – Generally, this phase is more specific, focusing on a type of cancer or disease. At this point, the researchers would like to know how the therapy or medication interacts with a certain disease. They also test the safety of the medication.

Phase III – Researchers gather data for comparison of the new treatment or medication against the current or existing standard. Phase III will determine whether or not the new medication makes a difference in the prognosis and is worth seeking the approval of the FDA.

Not all medications or treatments make it through all the the three phases of the clinical trial. But others succeed in offering new and better options for treatment of mesothelioma.

Research Funding

With the increasing number of mesothelioma cases, many people are rallying national politicians for fund assistance for mesothelioma research. For the first time, the US Department of Defense, in 2008, made mesothelioma a "research priority", allocating $50 million as research budget. Research facilities and researchers all over the country are eligible to receive around $625,000 to $2.5 million to conduct their studies.

The Department of Defense was particularly interested in funding the research because mesothelioma has significantly affected the veterans when US Armed Forces used a large abundance of asbestos during World War I and World War II. The highest incidence of mesothelioma is amongst shipyard workers, whether military or civilian.

More and more people are seeking for more research concerning mesothelioma. Hopefully, funds will continue to grow to enable doctors to deliver better treatments for the disease.