As it currently stands, mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer that affects the lining of organs. Caused only by asbestos, mesothelioma takes decades to develop and once symptoms present themselves, has typically progressed to a Stage 4 cancer. Those diagnosed typically survive less than two years. Current treatments involve surgery and chemotherapy, but they only help in prolonging life.
In the fall, clinical-stage immunotherapy company Aduro Biotech announced promising results around its novel immunotherapy, CRS-207. The Phase 1b clinical trial selected patients with inoperable cases who hadn’t undergone any form of chemotherapy.
The CRS-207 is modeled after Listeria monocytogenes, also known as the bacteria responsible for Listeriosis. When administered, it causes an immune response against the cells that produce mesothelin, like mesothelioma.
Encouraged by the response, Aduro plans to continue to future phases beyond 2016. From the 34 evaluated patients, almost 95 percent had disease control with almost 60 percent showing partial response and 35 percent having stable control after chemotherapy and the CRS-207. Three patients presented signs of the tumor shrinking.
Clinical trials like this create a certain level for all those suffering from mesothelioma. With more progress being made, researchers are finding new ways to extend lives and potentially find a cure.
Sources
- Aduro Biotech, “Encouraging Data Demonstrate 94% Disease Control and BioMarker Data Showing an Increase in Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells Following Treatment with CRS-207,” Press Release (Sept. 26, 2015). [Link]
- Strauss, “Promising early results from mesothelioma vaccine trial,” Surviving Mesothelioma (Oct. 1, 2015). [Link]