NCT01950572 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Tissue Procurement and Natural History Study of Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma
What this study is about
Background: * Malignant mesothelioma is a malignancy arising from the mesothelial cells of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, or tunica vaginalis. * Mesothelioma accounts for 0.10% of deaths annually in the United States. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common of these, comprising of 80% of the cases with an annual incidence of about 2,500 in the United States.
View original scientific description
Background: * Malignant mesothelioma is a malignancy arising from the mesothelial cells of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, or tunica vaginalis. * Mesothelioma accounts for 0.10% of deaths annually in the United States. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common of these, comprising of 80% of the cases with an annual incidence of about 2,500 in the United States. * The median survival from diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is approximately 12 months. The majority of patients present with stage III or IV disease with 85-90% of patients considered unresectable at diagnosis. * Peritoneal mesothelioma has a better prognosis than pleural mesothelioma; nevertheless, patients undergoing therapy for peritoneal mesothelioma have few well-studied treatment options due in large part to the rarity of the disease. * In addition to mesothelioma, mesothelin is highly expressed in several cancers, including pancreatic, biliary adenocarcinomas, gastric and ovarian cancers; mesothelin is also expressed in a significantly larger proportion of thymic carcinoma than thymoma. Objectives: -To allow sample acquisition for use in the study of mesothelioma. Eligibility: * All participants age greater than or equal to 2 years with malignant mesothelioma OR * All participants greater than or equal to 18 years with thymic carcinoma, pancreatic or biliary adenocarcinoma or lung, gastric or ovarian cancers or other solid tumor known to express mesothelin * Must be able and willing to provide informed consent if 18 or over; parent or guardian must be able and willing to provide consent for patients under the age of 18 Design: * Up to 1000 subjects will be enrolled. * Patients will be followed to determine the course of disease and to record any treatment received for mesothelioma. * Patients will undergo sampling of blood, urine, tumor and abnormal body fluids for tissue banking. * Studies which may be performed on banked material include genetic and genomic studies, establishment of cell cultures and immunologic studies.
Primary outcome measures
sample aquisition
Time frame: Ongoing
allow sample acquisition for use in the study of mesothelioma
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- All participants \>= 2 years of age with malignant mesothelioma.
- All participants \>=18 years of age with thymic carcinoma, pancreatic or biliary adenocarcinoma or lung, gastric or ovarian cancers or other solid tumor known to express mesothelin.
- Confirmed pathological diagnosis is required
- Ability and willingness of participant to provide informed consent to participation.
Exclusion criteria
- Active symptomatic major organ disorder that would increase the risk of biopsy, including but not limited to ischemic heart disease, recent myocardial infarction, active congestive heart failure, pulmonary dysfunction.
- Pregnant women.
- Active concomitant medical or psychological illnesses that may increase the risk to the participant or in adult participants, inability to obtain informed consent, at the discretion of the principal investigator.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations