Current Clinical Trials in Mesothelioma

In the ongoing battle against the insidious disease, mesothelioma, numerous clinical trials are underway. With a spotlight on mesothelioma trials, this article throws light on five such, currently at the enrollment stage.

A Basic Understanding of Mesothelioma

Before diving into the trials, a comprehensive understanding of mesothelioma's epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment will make for an informed reader.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure, with almost 80% of the cases confirmed to have had exposure to this mineral. According to the public health records, approximately 3000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Men, particularly those aged 60 and over, are the most affected demographic.

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be arduous due to its lengthy latency period. It may take several decades after exposure before symptoms arise, including chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, although other therapies are under investigation in clinical studies, aiming to offer newer, more effective alternatives.

Exploring the Current Mesothelioma Trials

1. MTG201 Plus Nivolumab for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM0) (NCT03809379)

This Phase I/II trial explores the safety and efficacy of the combination of MTG201, a new adenovirus, with Nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug, in MPM patients.

2. Nivolumab and Ramucirumab in Treating Patients With Advanced and Recurrent Malignant Mesothelioma (NCT03048474)

This phase I trial aims to define the effects of combining Nivolumab and Ramucirumab as a therapeutic approach for advanced or recurrent cases.

3. Atezolizumab, Pemetrexed Disodium, Cisplatin, and Surgery with or without Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients with Stage I-III Pleural Malignant Mesothelioma (NCT02784171)

This randomized, phase II/III trial is studying how well combination therapy works in treating patients across varying stages of pleural malignant mesothelioma.

4. Examination of Cryoablation and Durvalumab for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment (NCT04092283)

Examining the use of cryoablation (a freezing technique) in combination with Durvalumab, this trial seeks to exploit the ways the immune system can fight mesothelioma.

5. Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Participants with Advanced Solid Tumours (MK-3475-158/KEYNOTE-158) (NCT02628067)

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is being examined in this trial for its efficacy in managing a variety of advanced solid tumours, including mesothelioma.

Conclusion

These mesothelioma trials offer much-needed hope for patients suffering from this disease. As investigations uncover more about the nature of this malignancy and develop potentially ground-breaking treatments, the importance of clinical trials in the fight against mesothelioma cannot be overstated.

Committed to paving the way for groundbreaking research, these trials stand testimony to the relentless pursuit of the medical fraternity towards defeating this formidable disease.