Ironman Event brings Attention to the importance of clinical studies vital to find a Cure for Mesothelioma and other cancers

By Nancy Meredith
Close to 1,000 triathletes will participate in Beach2Battleship Ironman and Half Ironman races in Wilmington, NC, on 13 November 2010. PPD, a contract research organization that accelerates delivery of safe and effective medicines, clinical trials, headquartered in Wilmington, is the title sponsor of the event.The race to put a spotlight on the "Heroes" to educate the public about clinical research and participation in clinical trials crucial role in delivering new medicines that improve health and save lives; clinical trials are extremely important to find new treatments and cures for cancer, such as leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs, is very aggressive and are resistant to many standard cancer treatments make it a difficult disease to treat effectively.  Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, it can be treated with varying degrees of success with the help of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

A clinical trial is one of the last stages of a long and specific cancer research.  Studies are conducted with cancer patients to decide whether a new approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment is safe and effective.They are also used to doctors and pharmaceutical companies to find ways to improve the patient's health and cancer care. 

B2B, with the motto of "Going the distance to improve health & Save Lives," unites two organizations dedicated to the health and well-being – YMCA and PPD. 5 000 spectators, participants and volunteers are expected to participate in triathlon provides PPD opportunity to educate the public about the importance of the people participating in clinical trials.  All proceeds from the event benefit Wilmington Family YMCA.

The event, ironman, 2.4 miles of open-water swim, 112-mile bike followed by a ride and a 26.2 mile run, draw athletes who believe without clinical trials would not be alive today.Many are celebrating their new life by participating in the grueling event.

Brian Barndt in North Carolina is a 2005 heart transplant recipients and Swimmer in "Tin but" relay team consisting of two second heart transplant recipient. Barndt believes that without clinical trials his anti-rejection medicines would not have let his heart to stay healthy and thrive.Barndt said medicine has allowed him to live my life fully, to reach new goals and inspire others to do the same. "

Wendy Chioji a breast cancer survivor from Utah took part in a clinical trial for his chemotherapy medicines. Chioji strongly believe in the benefits of clinical trials and has spoken at national level on the importance of them. Triathlon is another opportunity for her to educate family and friends; she believes that "it is the debt of the hardened to contribute to the fight against cancer".

Oncologist Milana Dolezal from California notes that clinical trials are very important and is an important part of her practice. "I'm racing in THE PPD Beach 2Battleship Triathlon as a doctor, researcher and caregiver with a call to action encouraging clinical trial participation, "says Dolezal.

If you are one of the 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, the clinical trials offer the best available treatment, and the ability to receive new, potentially more effective treatments.

A list of clinical trials related to mesothelioma is clinicaltrials.gov.