Keytruda Proves Effectiveness with Mesothelioma

This study provides evidence that some patients [with mesothelioma] can have long-term disease control with this drug, which we haven’t seen before,” Alley said in a press release. “This drug appears to be well tolerated.” Real Need for Second-Line Therapy Standard first-line therapy for mesothelioma includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, but it remains relatively ineffective as a long-term solution. Alley believes pembrolizumab, classified as a checkpoint inhibitor drug, can provide a needed advancement in treatment. Checkpoint inhibitors allow the immune system to fight off cancer by negating the PD-L1 protein, which normally prevents the immune response. “There have been a lot of studies looking at different drugs, but researchers have not seen positive results,” Alley said. “We’ve found this new class of drugs that seems to be more effective than what’s been available in the past.” Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. It is diagnosed in an estimated 3,000 people in the U.S. each year. There is no definitive cure. Tumor Reduction in Majority of Patients The 25 mesothelioma patients in the trial received the drug every two weeks for up to two years, unless the disease progressed or an unacceptable side effect occurred. All previously had received chemotherapy and were experiencing disease progression when they joined the trial. While being treated, 14 of the 25 patients experien...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Abramson Cancer Center checkpoint inhibitors Dr. Evan Alley keytruda keytruda clinical trials keytruda for mesothelioma Merck & Co. PD-L1 proteins pembrolizumab Pembrolizumab mesothelioma Penn Medicine Penn Presbyterian Medical Cente Source Type: news