New Stem Cell Trial Fuels Hopes for Mesothelioma Treatment

Early results from an international clinical trial involving the targeted killing of mesothelioma stem cells are better than anticipated, fueling considerable hope for the future of treatment. The phase II trial of the drug defactinib (VS-6063) currently includes 180 patients enrolled at 55 sites in 13 countries. Verastem, Inc., a relatively small biopharmaceutical company based in the Boston area, markets the drug. The drug also is being tested - with equally encouraging results - for ovarian and non-small-cell lung cancers. "We're onto something really important here," Verastem president and Chief Financial Officer Robert Forrester said. "We believe we have the opportunity to change the way cancer is treated and to make a significant difference in the lives of many patients." Forrester spoke earlier this month on a conference call detailing the company's 2014 accomplishments and its plans for the future. Verastem is testing a handful of its own novel drugs for different cancers, but all involve the killing of stem cells, which are the underlying cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. "Our confidence in each of these drugs continues to grow," he said. "The outlook has been grim for a patient with mesothelioma. The good news is that targets in treatment are clearly emerging. There is increasing confidence now that 6063 is a drug that can help many patients. We've seen what is happening." Stem Cells Are Mesothelioma Drivers Mesothelioma stem cells represent only a s...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Research & Clinical Trials Source Type: news