Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or, in rare cases, the bone marrow. Mesothelioma of the bone marrow, also known as mesotheliomatosis, is a particularly rare form of the disease that occurs when mesothelioma cells spread to the bone marrow. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as it often presents with nonspecific symptoms, and standard treatments for other forms of mesothelioma may not be effective.
Currently, there are no specific clinical trials for mesothelioma of the bone marrow. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials for mesothelioma in general that may provide insights into potential treatments for this rare form of the disease. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most promising clinical trials for mesothelioma and how they may apply to mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for mesothelioma that works by stimulating the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. There are several types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and vaccines. Some clinical trials are currently exploring the use of immunotherapy for mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
One ongoing clinical trial is testing the use of a checkpoint inhibitor called pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the treatment of mesothelioma. The trial is recruiting patients with advanced mesothelioma who have not responded to chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab works by blocking a protein called PD-1 on T-cells, which can prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system. If successful, this approach may also be effective for mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes, proteins, or other molecules that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which can affect both cancer and healthy cells, targeted therapy is designed to be more selective and precise.
Several clinical trials are currently investigating the use of targeted therapy for mesothelioma. One ongoing trial is testing the effectiveness of a drug called GSK3368715 in patients with mesothelioma. GSK3368715 targets a protein called MDM2, which is involved in the regulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53. If successful, this approach may also be effective for mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a promising approach to cancer treatment that involves modifying the patient’s own cells to fight cancer. One type of gene therapy being studied for mesothelioma is CAR T-cell therapy, which involves modifying the patient’s T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Several clinical trials are currently investigating the use of CAR T-cell therapy for mesothelioma. One ongoing trial is testing the effectiveness of a CAR T-cell therapy called TC-210 in patients with mesothelioma. TC-210 targets a protein called mesothelin, which is overexpressed on the surface of mesothelioma cells. If successful, this approach may also be effective for mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of cancer treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent and a special type of light to kill cancer cells. PDT can be used to treat mesothelioma in the chest cavity, but it may also be effective for mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
Several clinical trials are currently investigating the use of PDT for mesothelioma. One ongoing trial is testing the effectiveness of PDT in combination with chemotherapy in patients with mesothelioma. If successful, this approach may also be effective for mesothelioma of the bone marrow.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma of the bone marrow is a rare and challenging form of cancer to diagnose and treat. Currently, there are no specific clinical trials for this type of cancer. However, ongoing clinical trials for mesothelioma in general may provide insights into potential treatments for mesothelioma of the bone marrow. Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy are all promising approaches to mesothelioma treatment that may also be effective for mesothelioma of the bone marrow. Patients with mesothelioma of the bone marrow should work closely with their healthcare providers to explore all available treatment options and participate in clinical trials when appropriate.
