How Do I Find Mesothelioma Clinical Trials?
You can find mesothelioma clinical trials through ClinicalTrials.gov, the NCI Cancer Information Service, your oncologist, and major mesothelioma treatment centers. Searching by diagnosis, location, and treatment type helps narrow results to relevant trials accepting new participants.
Online Search Resources
ClinicalTrials.gov is the most comprehensive database of clinical trials worldwide, maintained by the National Library of Medicine. Search for "mesothelioma" and filter by status ("recruiting"), location, and intervention type. Each listing provides detailed information about the trial purpose, eligibility criteria, locations, and contact information for the research team.
The National Cancer Institute's clinical trial search offers a more user-friendly interface specifically for cancer trials. You can also call the NCI Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER to speak with a specialist who can help identify appropriate trials based on your specific diagnosis, stage, and treatment history.
Working with Your Medical Team
Your oncologist is one of the best resources for finding relevant clinical trials. Doctors who specialize in mesothelioma typically stay current on active trials and may be investigators on studies at their own institution. Ask your oncologist specifically about clinical trial options at each stage of your treatment planning.
Major mesothelioma treatment centers — including MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Moffitt Cancer Center — frequently conduct their own mesothelioma trials. These institutions have clinical trial coordinators who can evaluate whether you meet the eligibility criteria for their current studies.
What to Look For
When reviewing trial listings, focus on several key factors: the trial phase (Phase 1 trials prioritize safety data, while Phase 2 and 3 trials focus on effectiveness), the specific type of mesothelioma being studied (pleural vs. peritoneal), the line of therapy (first-line for newly diagnosed vs. second-line for previously treated patients), and the trial locations.
Pay attention to whether the trial is actively recruiting. Trials listed as "not yet recruiting" may open soon, while those labeled "active, not recruiting" have completed enrollment. For trials at distant locations, ask about telemedicine options and whether travel costs are covered by the study sponsor.
Taking the Next Step
Once you identify a potentially suitable trial, contact the trial coordinator listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. They will conduct a preliminary screening to determine if you may be eligible. If the initial screening is positive, you will typically be invited for an in-person evaluation. Pursuing a clinical trial does not prevent you from seeking legal compensation for your asbestos exposure.
Keep a list of trials you are interested in and discuss them with your oncologist. Your doctor can help prioritize which trials are most appropriate for your specific situation and coordinate the referral process.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: The largest database of clinical trials worldwide, searchable by condition and location
- NCI Service: Call 1-800-4-CANCER for personalized clinical trial search assistance
- Treatment Centers: Major mesothelioma centers often run their own trials and can match patients
- Active Trials: Dozens of mesothelioma trials are recruiting patients at any given time
Reviewed by: Rod De Llano, J.D. — Texas Bar — 30+ years mesothelioma litigation
Last updated: March 15, 2026
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, National Cancer Institute
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