New Lung Cancer Trial Could Benefit Mesothelioma Patients

Pharmaceutical giant Merck has teamed up with Novocure to test its cornerstone immunotherapy, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), alongside Tumor Treating Fields. The new phase II clinical research trial is focusing on non-small cell lung cancer and will enroll approximately 66 patients across the U.S. Keytruda, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, works as a checkpoint inhibitor and allows the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells hiding within the PD-1 pathway. The FDA approved Keytruda for mesothelioma as the first immunotherapy treatment for the disease in 2020. Novocure, a global oncology company, has been developing Tumor Treating Fields since 2000. In 2019, the FDA approved the treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma. TTFields limits cancer growth by delivering alternating electrical fields through insulated adhesive pads that attach to the skin. The phase II pilot study will test the combination as a first-line treatment of intrathoracic advanced or metastatic PD-L1 positive non-small cell lung cancer. TTF, Keytruda Combination Has Potential for Improved Immune Response The primary endpoint of the study will be the objective response rate. Progression-free survival at six months, one-year survival rate, duration of response, disease control at 18 weeks and overall safety encompass the study’s secondary endpoints. “Multiple preclinical studies suggest that the use of Tumor Treating Fields, together with anti-PD-1 therapy, can potentially augment the immune res...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news