Combination Treatment Could Improve Mesothelioma Outcomes

Researchers have found that combining immuno-gene therapy and standard chemotherapy could help improve the chances of survival of patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma. The results of their study were recently published March 11 in the medical journal Clinical Cancer Research.

Significant Findings

The researchers used the combination treatment in 40 malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, according to the study. The approach resulted in a substantially higher survival rate than normal.

According to the publication, most patients suffering from the disease will have chemotherapy at one time or another during their treatment, but chemo alone usually has a minimal impact on how long they survive. Malignant pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs, is very resistant to most standard treatments.

How the Study was Performed

But by combining immunotherapy drugs, gene therapy and chemotherapy, the researchers found that the results were not only safe but also effective. Some of the patients in the study had never previously had chemotherapy, while some were going through chemo for the second time.

All the patients received two doses of a gene known as human interferon-alpha2b. They then went through a two-week course of treatment that included the drug celecoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication marketed as Celebrex. Afterward, the patients went through standard chemotherapy.

This approach shows promise in ultimately having a major impact on the outcomes of pleural mesothelioma treatment. It is expected that a randomized clinical trial will be held to further substantiate the results.

The only known cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma is the ingestion or inhalation of asbestos fibers. The mesothelioma attorneys with Baron & Budd are ready to help if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with this terrible disease. Please complete our contact form or call 855-280-7664 to learn more and to see if you may qualify to file a lawsuit against the asbestos manufacturers responsible for the diagnosis.