Georgia Regents University Launches Immunotherapy Clinical Trial

The Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, a national leader in immunotherapy research, has opened its first clinical trial for mesothelioma patients. The Phase 2 trial is open to patients with unresectable peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, providing a promising new treatment option for this rare and aggressive cancer. Immunotherapy involves triggering the body's own immune system to identify and destroy the cancer cells without harming the healthy ones. This multicenter trial will study the drug tremelimumab, which has shown an ability to stimulate the immune system and attack tumors. It already has shown potential in treating other cancers. The Georgia Regents University (GRU) is the only one in the Georgia-South Carolina region. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that can affect the lining surrounding the lungs (pleural), heart (pericardial) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal). Doctors diagnose an estimated 3,000 cases annually in the U.S. Average life expectancy ranges from nine to 24 months, depending on several factors. "There just aren't a lot of options for mesothelioma patients. Those in our state have had to travel quite a distance, north or south, for a trial like this," GRU Cancer Center Director Samir Khleif, M.D., told Asbestos.com. "We needed to provide something for those patients in our area." GRU Cancer Center Is a Leader in Immunotherapy The GRU Cancer Center, located in Augusta, Georgia, puts a heavy emphasis on immunotherapy and a multidisci...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Research & Clinical Trials Source Type: news