The challenges posed by malignant mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, have lead researchers around the world to research novel treatments. But a non-profit organization is questioning the usefulness of certain clinical trials, arguing that rather than pursuing laboratory results, scientists should instead be working towards real world practice.
Sbarro Health Research Organization is Focused on Mesothelioma Research
An article published in this month’s The Lancet Oncology and written by scientists from the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) is questioning the design of a recently published clinical trial that relied in part on the organization’s previous in vitro study, as well as the conclusions that the study reached.
While noting that SHRO’s earlier findings may have formed part of the basis for the trial’s rationale, the SHRO authors questioned the inclusion of patients with early stage mesothelioma in the more recent study, as well as the use of disease control rate as an endpoint and the omission of information on relative risk or overall survival of patients with early mesothelioma compared to those with more advanced disease.
Article Suggests that Mesothelioma Trial Results Can be Misleading
In a follow-up to their article in Lancet Oncology, the authors explained that they are particularly interested in the screening of clinical trials for mesothelioma, and wrote in the publication Newswise that “the design of clinical trials can be misleading and provide evidence that does not end up actually benefiting patients in the clinical setting.”
The authors note that despite immense expenditures on anti-cancer drugs, the effects on mesothelioma survival have been very modest. They conclude that more solid design of trials is needed, writing, “Patients should be selected to resemble those usually treated in real world practice. Nothing matters more than survival. The exorbitant cost of the new drugs should be justified by what can really be achieved for all the patients.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and you need information on effective treatments, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
