Three men in California faced a choice- properly remove asbestos in their building or intentionally deceive workers to incorrectly complete the task for them. Rather than follow the right path of honesty, Patrick Bowman, Rudy Buendia II and Joseph Cuellar decided to endanger the lives of their helpers to save[…]
From the blog
Tenth Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference begins today
An annual conference is held in Washington, D.C., as part of Global Asbestos Awareness Week, featuring medical professionals, survivors and advocates sharing about advancements and personal struggles. For 10 years, more than 70 speakers and honorees have participated in the three-day event. Many are honored for their dedication to advancing[…]
Asbestos organization fights to ban the fibrous carcinogen
Ten years ago, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) expanded their reach by making the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week. Soon after, other countries suffering from the carcinogen’s deadly effects joined and transformed the week into a global occasion. The ADAO started in 2004 to provide a[…]
New research suggests earlier mesothelioma diagnosis is a possibility
Those familiar with the asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma are well aware the disease takes decades to develop and by the time it’s recognized, it’s too late for recovery. When symptoms finally develop and mesothelioma is diagnosed, its victims often survive less than one year. In 2008, Japanese researchers released a study[…]
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization celebrates tenth annual week
Ten years ago, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) expanded their reach by making the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week. Soon after, other countries suffering from the carcinogen’s deadly effects joined and transformed the week into a global occasion. The ADAO started in 2004 to provide a[…]
New study suggests breast cancer drug may shrink mesothelioma tumors
After new evidence surfaced suggesting the enzyme aromatase is associated with malignant mesothelioma, Italian scientists began testing breast cancer drug Aromasin (exemestane) on mice and mesothelioma cells. Designed to inhibit aromatase, Aromasin curbs cell growth in breast cancer patients by helping reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. In[…]
Alimta remains best treatment for victims of malignant pleural mesothelioma
For those with inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma, Alimta (permetrexed) combined with cisplatin remains the top treatment. Japanese researchers recently analyzed the results of 30 patients taking either Gemzar or the Alimta combination and compared complications, disease control and survival rates. Thirty mesothelioma cases were examined featuring 13 patients taking Gemzar[…]
Research shows both mesothelioma surgeries produce results
A recent study by United Kingdom researchers discovered when considering the mesothelioma surgery options, there is no clear choice. Cancer centers and mesothelioma doctors often disagree about which procedure to offer between extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decotication (P/D). The surgeries attempt to either remove and cure the patient or relieve[…]
New treatment may inhibit the growth of mesothelioma cells
A recent study suggests CARP-1 Functional Mimetics (CFMs) initiated mesothelioma cell death while prohibiting their migration into new colonies. The concept is to mimic the Cell Cycle and Regulatory Protein (CARP) 1 with its ability to assist with apoptosis, or programmed cell death. When new cells become too abundant and[…]
Phase I/II Study of First Line Vorinostat With Pemetrexed-cisplatin, in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MESO-02)
Purpose: Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer which is becoming more common. It can affect one of two areas; the pleura (the lining of the lung) or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). Cancer affecting the pleura is the more common of these and is called Pleural Mesothelioma. This is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.
Unfortunately mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and so treatment is based around controlling the disease and managing the symptoms, rather than curing the disease.
The standard treatment for Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a combination of two anticancer drugs; Pemetrexed and Cisplatin.
The trial will look into whether there are benefits of adding a third drug called Vorinostat to the treatment.
- Phase II only – Arm I: Active Comparator
- If the patient is randomised into the Vorinostat arm they will be given Pemetrexed (500mg/m2 iv) and Cisplatin (75mg/m2 iv) on day one of a 21 day cycle plus the dose of Vorinostat determined in the phase I study.
- Interventions:
- Drug: Cisplatin.
Cisplatin (75mg/m2 iv) wil be administered on day one of a 21 day cycle for up to 6 cycles - Drug: Pemetrexed.
Patients will be given Pemetrexed (500mg/m2 iv) on day one of a 21 day cycle for up to 6 cycles - Drug: Vorinostat.
The dose and frequency of vorinostat will be determined in the Phase I study. Vorinostat will be given concurrently with Cisplatin/Pemetrexed.
- Drug: Cisplatin.
- Phase II only – Arm 2: Placebo Comparator
- If the patient is randomised into the placebo arm they will be given Pemetrexed (500mg/m2 iv) and Cisplatin (75mg/m2 iv) on day one of a 21 day cycle with the placebo for the same number of days as in the vorinostat arm.
- Interventions:
- Drug: Cisplatin.
Cisplatin (75mg/m2 iv) wil be administered on day one of a 21 day cycle for up to 6 cycles - Drug: Pemetrexed.
Patients will be given Pemetrexed (500mg/m2 iv) on day one of a 21 day cycle for up to 6 cycles - Drug: Placebo.
Patients randomised into the placebo arm of the trial will receive Cisplatin and Pemetrexed as standard as well as placebo.
- Drug: Cisplatin.
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