General information about MSO1 trial

The MS01 trial is looking at whether chemotherapy could be a helpful treatment for people with pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts in the membranes that surround the lung: these membranes are known as the pleura.

The trial is being carried out in cancer centres all over the UK. It was started in 2002 and about 840 people with mesothelioma will take part over the next few years. The aim of the trial is to see whether using chemotherapy drugs can improve the length and quality of life for people with mesothelioma. Currently, it is not clear whether chemotherapy is helpful or not, for people with mesothelioma.

If you have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma, your cancer specialist may have asked if you would like to take part in the MS01 trial. This section explains what the trial involves. You may find it helpful to show the information to your family, friends or GP and to discuss the trial with them before you make up your mind.

By taking part in the MS01 trial, you would be helping to improve doctors’ understanding of the best way to treat pleural mesothelioma and so may help future patients with this illness.

However, taking part in the trial is voluntary. You should only agree to take part if you agree with what you are being asked to do. It is important to remember that you can change your mind at any time and can stop having the treatment in the trial. In this case, information will continue to be collected about your progress, through regular checks with your cancer specialist. If you decide not to take part, your cancer specialist will offer you the best standard treatment available.

When you have read this section you may still have questions that you would like to ask your doctor. You may find it helpful to make a note of these as you go along to help you remember them. You may also want to talk to someone independently and confidentially about your cancer or the trial.

The ISRCTN number for this trial is 54469112.