Purpose: This phase I pilot trial studies how well atezolizumab, pemetrexed disodium, cisplatin, and surgery with or without radiation therapy in treating patients with stage I-III pleural malignant mesothelioma. Monoclonal antibodies, such as atezolizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Pemetrexed disodium may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving atezolizumab, pemetrexed disodium, and cisplatin before surgery may make the tumor smaller and reduce the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed. Giving atezolizumab after surgery may kill any remaining tumor cells.
From the blog
Evaluation of CRS-207 With Pembrolizumab in Previously Treated MPM
Purpose:The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether CRS-207 with pembrolizumab is safe and effective in adults with MPM who have failed prior anti-cancer therapy.
Asbestos Fibers Just As Deadly Regardless of Size
Recognized as one of the six types of asbestos, tremolite is considered to be one of the more deadly forms of asbestos due to its long, sharp, needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled and embedded in the soft tissue of the lungs and surrounding organs. Tremolite is generally found in[…]
Lurbinectedin Monotherapy in Patients With Progressive Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Purpose Aim of this study is to provide the “proof of concept” of efficacy and tolerability of lurbinectedin monotherapy in progressive malignant mesotheliomas.
Two Potential Mesothelioma Treatments Have No Positive Effect
Tremelimumab Earlier in the spring of 2017, scientists and researchers from the University of Salford in the UK published a special report questioning the effectiveness of the new immunotherapy treatment known as tremelimumab. Trials of the check point inhibitor did not show promising results and there was concern about the[…]
A Trial of Niraparib in BAP1 and Other DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Deficient Neoplasms (UF-STO-ETI-001)
PurposeThis open-label, non-randomized study will investigate the use of niraparib in patients with tumors known to have mutations in BAP1 and other select DNA double-strand break repair pathway genes.
Improvements in Radiation Therapies Give More Treatment Options
When it comes to different treatments for mesothelioma patients, there is no shortage of diversity, as options include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immune-based therapies, gene-based therapies, and more. Chemotherapy treatments cisplatin and pemetrexed are first line treatments, especially among those who do not quality for surgery. Radiation treatment is available, but[…]
CheckpOiNt Blockade For Inhibition of Relapsed Mesothelioma (CONFIRM)
Purpose:The UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma. The incidence has risen by 497% since the late 1970’s and is increasing worldwide due to continued mining and use of asbestos. For patients with mesothelioma who have relapsed after taking pemetrexed and cisplatin, there is currently no standard treatment, making this an urgent unmet need. Recent trials in this area have not found an effective treatment that improves overall survival.
Following a debate in the House of Lords, a national survey assessing the research priorities in mesothelioma found that ‘exploiting the potential of immunotherapy’ was a top priority. This trial was designed in response to that survey. It uses the immunotherapy agent nivolumab which blocks programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor on activated T-cells (a type of white blood cell forming part of the immune system). Early research has found a dependency of mesothelioma on the PD-1 checkpoint. By attaching to PD-1, nivolumab blocks its action (checkpoint inhibition), preventing it from turning off the T-cell, and therefore allowing the immune system to work. PD-1 checkpoint inhibition has revolutionised the treatment of melanoma and it is hoped to be as effective in mesothelioma.
This trial is a randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial of patients with mesothelioma who are third relapse following a platinum based chemotherapy treatment. Patients will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio (nivolumab: placebo).
336 patients will be recruited from 25 UK centres over a four-year period with the last patient having a minimum of 6 months follow up. All patients will be on treatment for 12 months unless they progress or withdrawal prior to this. Clinic visits will occur every 12 weeks, mirroring standard care. Data following progression will be obtained from the NHS Information Centre.
Multiple Genetic Variants Increase Mesothelioma Risk
The term “high-risk predisposition,” is a well-known term in the cancer world that means a person could have certain genetic factors or other factors that places him or her at a higher risk for certain cancers. For mesothelioma, a high risk factor is the mutated BAP1 gene: a tumor suppressor[…]
Mesothelioma Patients Receive Zoledronic Acid as Treatment
Known as a bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid is typically used for bone diseases such as osteoporosis, and to treat high calcium levels in the blood that can lead to other health complications. Nitrogen containing bisphosphonates like zoledronic acid are known to have cancer suppressing qualities, and scientists and researchers were eager[…]
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