Immunotoxin SS1P Proving Effective Against Mesothelioma

Medical oncologist Raffit Hassan, M.D., has studied SS1P, the genetically engineered immunotoxin, for more than 15 years, believing it could become the key to therapeutic advancements for malignant pleural mesothelioma. He is getting closer to finding it. In Hassan’s latest clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute, SS1P was particularly effective when used in combination with the pemetrexed/cisplatin chemotherapy regimen that has become the standard, first-line treatment for cancer patients. The Phase I study, which began in 2011 and is still ongoing, was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SS1P, and to see just how effective it would be when used in conjunction with the chemo combination. SS1P helped significantly. Researchers define partial response as at least a 30-percent reduction in total tumor development. Progressive disease is defined as an increase of at least 20 percent of total tumor measurement. Stable is when neither the criteria for progressive disease nor partial response are met. Of the 13 patients who received the MTD along with the chemotherapy, 10 showed at least a partial, positive response and tumor shrinkage. Only two saw their disease continue to progress. One reported stable disease. The result was considerably better than the typical response with chemotherapy alone, which has been inconsistent – at best – in helping mesothelioma patients. "SS1P given with pemetrexed and cisplatin is safe and well-tolerated and exhi...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Treatment & Doctors Source Type: news