Evaluating new methods for staging and prognosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Prospectively Collected Pleural Biopsies for Validation of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Prognostic Biomarkers

Not applicable Interventional Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT03683680

This study is testing a new way to better understand the stage and outlook of malignant pleural mesothelioma by looking at tissue samples from patients to help doctors make more informed treatment decisions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT03683680 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates a novel approach to determine the stage and prognosis of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. By collecting pleural biopsies during routine diagnostic procedures, the study aims to analyze tissue characteristics that could enhance the accuracy of cancer staging and prognosis estimation prior to surgical intervention. The goal is to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes through better classification of cancer severity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma who are undergoing diagnostic pleural biopsy or related procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who are unsuitable for surgery, treatment, or diagnosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate staging and prognosis for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, potentially improving treatment planning.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on mesothelioma prognosis, this specific approach using pleural biopsies for staging is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All adult patients with a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma undergoing

  * diagnostic pleural biopsy
  * pleuroscopy
  * and/or VATS resections
* Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

-Any patient who is found to be unsuitable for

* surgery,
* treatment
* diagnosis,

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mesothelioma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.