Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis to receive. With this diagnosis comes treatment regimens and their effects on the body. The United Kingdom has a new set of standard treatments for mesothelioma which include Ipilimumab and Nivolumab. A new article in the journal Lung Cancer reviews Ipilimumab and Nivolumab results, using a study from a UK hospital.
The introduction of ipilimumab and nivolumab has changed mesothelioma treatment. It is the result of the CHECKMATE 743 study, which showed great results. The treatment, which improves survival more than standard chemotherapy, is especially good for patients with non-epithelioid mesothelioma. Patients who take ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment have similar side effects to patients with other cancers.
A study at a UK medical center looked at mesothelioma patients with ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment. The goal of the study was to check its real-world success and safety. There were a total of 62 patients in the study. There were 73 percent who had the epithelioid subtype while the rest (27 percent) were non-epithelioid patients.
The median overall survival was 24 months for both subtypes. Researchers were happy with the results. The survival rate for one year was 78.89 percent while the survival rate for two years was 52.1 percent. Based on this information, the treatment has long term benefits.
Around 45 percent of patients experienced severe side effects. The most common was colitis, which is swelling and inflammation of the colon. Almost 40 percent needed high dose steroids for the adverse symptoms. This shows the need for ongoing symptom management. Around 11 percent needed extra treatments. Survival was not affected in these cases. An interesting finding was that patients in later treatments fared as well as those in the first line. This showcases the ability for ipilimumab and nivolumab to manage mesothelioma.
Being updated on different treatments for mesothelioma is crucial for both patients and caregivers. It is important to recognize ipilimumab and nivolumab and its benefits and side effects to make the best decision possible on treatment. It is also important to manage side effects like colitis for there to be positive outcomes for patients. It is not necessary to time ipilimumab and nivolumab (give it early or later) because it does not affect survival much.
The study of ipilimumab and nivolumab at a UK center shows the value of the combination treatment for mesothelioma. Working closely with a healthcare provider gives patients and their families confidence and hope to manage mesothelioma.
