Research Study Shows Immunotherapy Drug Could Potentially Benefit Mesothelioma Patients, Baron & Budd Reports

Pembrolizumab May Shrink or Halt Spread of Tumors, According to Study Results

DALLAS (May 4, 2015) – Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently released the results of a study showing that the cancer immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab may be effective in shrinking or halting the spread of mesothelioma tumors, the mesothelioma law firm Baron & Budd reports. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, which was held April 18-22 in Philadelphia.

According to researchers, the drug was successful in either slowing the spread or shrinking malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors in 76 percent of patients participating in the study. The disease primarily attacks the lining of the lungs and abdomen, although it also affects the lining of the heart in some instances. The only known cause of pleural malignant mesothelioma is the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers.

The research team was comprised of scientists from the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. Of the 25 patients who were given pembrolizumab, seven of them experienced shrinkage of tumors. The drug, according to the results of the study, halted tumor growth in 12 patients. The disease progressed in four patients, and two others had not been assessed at the time the study was released. There were no adverse events reported by any of the patients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of pembrolizumab in 2014 to treat a form of melanoma. It targets PD-1, which is also known as programmed cell death protein 1. By blocking PD-1, the drug helps the immune system attack tumors.

“This is obviously a very promising sign in the fight against mesothelioma,” said Russell Budd, president and managing shareholder of the mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd. “We will be closely watching the results of further trials and research.”

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

Established in 1977, Baron & Budd, P.C. is a prominent plaintiffs’ law firm committed to protecting the rights of individuals, municipalities, businesses and other entities. One of the first law firms to successfully litigate an asbestos lawsuit, Baron & Budd continues to actively represent veterans, industry workers, and others who have mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer. Determined to fight for the public interest, Baron & Budd is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the country with a robust practice that includes asbestos exposure cases, environmental contamination, Gulf Oil spill damages, unsafe pharmaceuticals and medical devices, overtime violations, and financial fraud. Baron & Budd achieved the largest mesothelioma verdict in the United States in 2012. Visit Fight Mesothelioma, Baron & Budd’s dedicated mesothelioma website FightMesothelioma.com or call 1.866.855.1229 for information on medical treatments, mesothelioma cancer doctors and treatment centers, high risk jobs, veterans issues and financial assistance for asbestos cancer care.