Mesothelioma Treatment Research in the News

Malignant mesothelioma is a terminal type of cancer that is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos. While currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma, this does not mean that one won’t be discovered in the future. Finding a cure for mesothelioma takes in-depth research and innovative medical technologies. Take a look at the most recent developments in mesothelioma treatment research that is giving hope to patients.

What’s New in Mesothelioma Research?

Around the world, there are thousands of researchers and specialists dedicated to finding new ways to treat, manage and ultimately cure mesothelioma. Research teams study mesothelioma and work to develop new treatments to improve quality of life and extend life expectancies for patients. Below is a brief summary of some of what’s new in mesothelioma research in 2022:

• Radiation therapy with immunotherapy may reduce damage to healthy lung tissues. In January 2022, a new clinical trial began at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for stereotactic body radiation therapy with immunotherapy for pleural mesothelioma. This delivers beams of radiation with high precision to minimize damage to the lung tissues. Paired with immunotherapy, this treatment is believed to cause an immune reaction that improves the body’s ability to fight tumors while minimizing side effects.
• Phase 2 of CBP501 trial announced. The development of a new therapy known as CBP501 took place back in 2008, and the results of the first phase were published in July 2021. The results showed that, when paired with chemotherapy drugs, CBP501 increased the chances of patient survival without cancer progression after four months. Between 63 and 68 percent of patients reached this milestone, compared to 39 to 56 percent of chemotherapy-only patients. The study announced phase 2 of its clinical trial in January 2022.
• Metformin, a diabetes drug, may be able to treat mesothelioma. Researchers also study the possibility of existing drugs being used for mesothelioma treatment. One of these drugs, metformin, may be able to hinder the spread of mesothelioma by inhibiting the same protein pathway that is found in diabetes patients (the Notch pathway). This means that metformin may be able to slow the progress of cancer metastasis in mesothelioma patients.
• New genetic therapy for pleural mesothelioma. On February 11, 2022, scientists at the University of Leicester published the results of their phase 2 clinical trial of abemaciclib, a new genetic therapy for pleural mesothelioma. Phase 2 of the trial showed promising results for mesothelioma patients who previously received first-line chemotherapy with pemetrexed and cisplatin or carboplatin. The abemaciclib drug can block two enzymes that may inhibit the death of tumor cells, CDK4 and CDK6.

With ever-evolving research and new technologies, mesothelioma patients can have renewed hope for the future. New drugs and therapies are being studied, tested and released every day. Breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatments can help patients fight mesothelioma, enjoy greater health and live in more comfort for the remainder of their lives.

Are You Eligible for a Clinical Trial for a New Mesothelioma Treatment?

New options for treating mesothelioma patients must go through multiple clinical trials before they are approved for public use. Participating in a clinical trial could potentially have a positive impact on your prognosis for the future, including better survival times and greater physical comfort. In addition, the cost of a clinical trial is covered, as it is funded by a research facility. 

There are carefully organized clinical trials for many stages of mesothelioma treatment, including mesothelioma prevention, diagnosis, curative treatments and palliative care. If you’re curious whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial for a new mesothelioma treatment, talk to your doctor. Your mesothelioma specialist will have the most up-to-date information on current clinical trials and can determine which is right for you.