New Drug Shows Promise in Treating Mesothelioma
Scientists are calling the results of a new drug trial a "truly wonderful" breakthrough for the treatment of mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure that has an abysmal survival rate.
Research recently published in the journal JAMA Oncology explains how ADI-PEG20 (pegargiminase) combined with chemotherapy quadrupled three-year survival rates for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma in a recent international trial. The results are extraordinarily promising for mesothelioma treatment as the new drug is the first to succeed when combined with chemotherapy in the last two decades.
Before diving into the specifics of the trial, let's discuss why this scientific advancement is significant and making a huge splash in mesothelioma news.
Mesothelioma: Deadly Asbestos-Related Cancer
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the thin lining of the lungs, abdomen, and other organs. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, is the most common form, but the cancer may also occur in the linings of the heart (pericardial), abdomen (peritoneal), or testicles.
About 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed per year in the United States, which makes it a rare cancer, according to American Cancer Society estimates. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is as deadly as it is rare. Pleural mesothelioma's survival rate is among the lowest of any solid cancer at around 5-10%.
Mesothelioma is predominantly linked with exposure to asbestos in people who work or have worked in manufacturing or construction industries. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious health complications, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Phase 3 Clinical Trial
The study, called the "ATOMIC-meso trial" and sponsored by Polaris Pharmaceuticals, was led by Professor Peter Szlosarek from the Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology at Queen Mary University of London's Barts Cancer Institute. Scientists conducted the study from 2017 through 2021 across 43 centers in five countries: the UK, the United States, Australia, Italy, and Taiwan.
Participants in the trial received chemotherapy every three weeks, with a maximum of six cycles. Over two years, along with the chemotherapy, half of the patients received an injection of ADI-PEG20 while the other half received a placebo.
The authors of the study presented the results in the journal, writing: "In this pivotal, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial in 249 patients with pleural mesothelioma, pegargiminase-chemotherapy increased significantly the median overall survival by 1.6 months and quadrupled the survival at 36 months compared to placebo-chemotherapy."
According to the journal article, participants with pleural mesothelioma who received the drug and chemotherapy survived for an average of 9.3 months, while those who received a placebo along with chemotherapy survived for 7.7 months.
Overall, the average "progression-free survival" was 6.2 months for those who received the drug and chemotherapy combo, while it was 5.6 months for those who had the placebo and chemotherapy.
In Part 2 of this series, we will explore the personal story of one of the study's participants.
Hire an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
Madeksho Law has been helping victims of asbestos exposure and their families for over half a century, and we can help you, too. Call us at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
