Will the MARS trial improve the quality of life of mesothelioma sufferers?

While there is no cure for mesothelioma at the present time, this does not stop scientists from performing trials to work on a potential cure for the asbestos-related disease. One current area of research is that of the potential benefits of extra-pleural pneumonectomy in the MARS trial.

Extra-pleural pneumonectomy
This procedure, also known as EPP, is one in which the entire lung is removed, along with the lung lining. This is, as it sounds, a drastic operation, but may have potential benefits to a sufferer's quality of life.

The MARS trial
The MARS trial - standing for Mesothelioma And Radical Surgery - aims to find out whether this potential for improving the quality of life for sufferers of this asbestos-related cancer. At the time of writing, it is still accepting new subjects for the trial through their doctors.

It is a randomized trial, in which one group would receive chemotherapy, then EPP, then radiotherapy. The second group of patients would receive the chemotherapy and radiotherapy but without undergoing EPP.

To be eligible, a patient's cancer must have been diagnosed by biopsy, and be removable by surgery; the patients themselves must be over 18 and otherwise healthy enough to take part. If a patient has a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, or is suffering from certain other conditions, the trial will not be able to accept that patient.

The trial is necessarily specific to this disease; however, other scientists are researching treatments for asbestosis, pleural plaques and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Making a mesothelioma compensation claim
If you have been diagnosed with this asbestos-related cancer, it is likely that you will be able to make a compensation claim. While this cannot make reparations for the life-changing condition, any damages won may offer security to loved ones or cover costs incurred by an inability to work.

YouClaim's panel of personal injury solicitors - all of whom are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - contains many with an expertise in asbestos compensation claims. This means you can be sure of a sensitive and knowledgeable ear when you call to discuss your situation.

Neither YouClaim nor your no win, no fee lawyer will make any charge in an asbestos claim, whether it is successful or not. In every successful case, all damages awarded go to the claimant - our 100% compensation promise guarantees that we will take no cut from anything that is awarded to you.

Contacting our team of advisors could not be easier, whether you want to reach us online through our claim form or e-chat system, or through our free phone number, 0800 10 757 95. However you choose to contact us, we will look forward to assisting in your mesothelioma claim.