So I've been doing a lot of reading since my diagnosis in November and I keep seeing clinical trials mentioned as an option alongside HIPEC. My oncologist at Cleveland Clinic brought up a couple possibilities but I want to be more informed before I decide anything.
I'm trying to understand how to actually evaluate which trial might be appropriate for my specific case. I have peritoneal mesothelioma, Stage II, no prior treatment yet. I know there are different drug combinations being tested - some with immunotherapy, some with chemotherapy variations, some looking at combination approaches.
Here's what I'm struggling with:
How do you know if a trial's inclusion criteria actually fit your staging and pathology? I have my pathology report but I'm not sure if I'm reading it correctly in terms of what the trials are actually looking for.
Does it matter if you're in Ohio versus traveling for treatment? I've seen trials at major centers but some are pretty far from here.
Are there databases beyond ClinicalTrials.gov that list mesothelioma-specific trials? I found some on there but the descriptions are pretty vague about what makes someone eligible.
I also want to know - and maybe this is obvious - but if you start a trial do you have to stay with it? What if you want to switch to HIPEC instead?
I've been keeping detailed notes on my symptoms and my CA-125 levels since diagnosis. I'm wondering if having that documentation helps when you're being evaluated for trials.
Anyone here gone through the process of choosing between trial participation and surgery? I'd like to hear how you approached it.