Experimental Mesothelioma Treatments
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has seen remarkable advancements in experimental treatments. While these therapies aren’t fully validated, they offer hope and potential alternatives when standard treatments fall short.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, a groundbreaking approach, harnesses the body’s immune system to combat mesothelioma. Recent FDA approval of Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Yervoy® (ipilimumab) has revolutionized mesothelioma treatment. Patients treated with this combination saw a median survival of 18.1 months, outperforming chemotherapy. Ongoing research explores other immunotherapies like CAR T cells and checkpoint inhibitors.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy, still in the experimental stage for mesothelioma, reprograms the patient’s own T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. Early studies combining CAR T-cell therapy with drugs like Keytruda have shown promise, with median survival reaching 23.9 months. While FDA approval remains pending, research into various CAR T-cell approaches continues.
Checkpoint Inhibitors
Checkpoint inhibitors, exemplified by Opdivo and Yervoy, disrupt immune checkpoints used by cancer cells to evade detection. Opdivo/Yervoy is the only approved checkpoint inhibitor therapy for mesothelioma, with impressive results across different cell types. Several other checkpoint inhibitors, like Imfinzi® and Tecentriq®, show potential in ongoing trials.
Photodynamic Therapy
Experimental photodynamic therapy utilizes light to eliminate cancer cells. This precisely targeted approach, when combined with immunotherapy, has shown promise in extending mesothelioma patients’ life expectancy. Ongoing research, such as the IMPALA trial, explores its potential further.
Multimodal Therapy
Emerging multimodal treatments combine various therapies, aiming to improve outcomes. For instance, combining surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has achieved a remarkable 5-year survival rate of 75%. Multimodal therapy offers hope for a functional cure in some patients.
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)
TTFields, a recent innovation, disrupt cancer cell growth using mild electrical currents. The FDA-approved Optune Lua™ device has shown promise in halting tumor growth and improving survival rates in pleural mesothelioma patients.
Gene and Epigenetic Therapies
Experimental gene and epigenetic therapies address DNA-related issues contributing to mesothelioma. These treatments, although in early stages, hold potential for slowing tumor growth or altering cancer cell behavior.
Cryotherapy
Experimental cryotherapy employs extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. This minimally invasive treatment has demonstrated promise, with a 74% absence of recurrence three years after treatment for recurrent pleural mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy Innovations
Innovations in chemotherapy delivery, such as pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) and chemotherapy glue, aim to increase effectiveness and reduce side effects. PIPAC, for example, has enabled previously inoperable patients to become eligible for surgery.
Other Emerging Experimental Treatments
Targeted drugs and hybrid therapies, combining multiple treatments into one, offer exciting avenues of research. These approaches aim to enhance treatment precision and effectiveness.
Accessing Treatment
Patients interested in experimental treatments can explore clinical trials, expanded access, or Right to Try options. Clinical trials undergo rigorous oversight, while expanded access and Right to Try provide alternatives for patients with limited options.
FDA Approval
Experimental treatments undergo thorough evaluation by the FDA, considering safety, efficacy, and risks. Clinical trial data plays a pivotal role in gaining FDA approval, as demonstrated by Opdivo and Yervoy’s recent approval for mesothelioma treatment.