Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells, which are the protective lining surrounding the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used in construction, insulation, and other industrial applications. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, and treatment options are limited.
Clinical trials are an essential part of developing new and more effective treatments for mesothelioma. The Royal Marsden Hospital in London is one of the leading centers for cancer research in the world and has conducted several clinical trials for mesothelioma.
One of the most promising clinical trials at the Royal Marsden Hospital is a study of a drug called tremelimumab. Tremelimumab is an immunotherapy drug that works by activating the immune system to attack cancer cells. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tremelimumab in combination with chemotherapy for patients with mesothelioma who have not responded to previous treatments.
The trial is a phase II study, which means that it is designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the drug in a larger group of patients. The trial is currently recruiting patients, and the goal is to enroll 60 patients in total. Participants will receive either tremelimumab and chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. The trial will evaluate the overall response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
Another clinical trial at the Royal Marsden Hospital is a study of a drug called nivolumab. Nivolumab is also an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking a protein called PD-1, which is found on the surface of cancer cells. By blocking PD-1, nivolumab allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nivolumab in combination with chemotherapy for patients with mesothelioma.
The trial is a phase III study, which means that it is designed to compare the safety and effectiveness of the drug to the standard of care treatment. The trial is currently recruiting patients, and the goal is to enroll 514 patients in total. Participants will receive either nivolumab and chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. The trial will evaluate overall survival as the primary endpoint.
In addition to these trials, the Royal Marsden Hospital is also conducting research on new diagnostic and treatment strategies for mesothelioma. For example, researchers are studying the use of liquid biopsies, which are blood tests that can detect cancer by analyzing circulating tumor DNA. Liquid biopsies could be a less invasive alternative to traditional biopsies, which can be difficult to perform in patients with mesothelioma.
Overall, the clinical trials at the Royal Marsden Hospital are an important part of the effort to develop new and more effective treatments for mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma who are interested in participating in a clinical trial should speak with their doctor to determine if they are eligible and to learn more about the potential risks and benefits of participating.
