Mayo Clinic Opens Novel Clinical Trial for Mesothelioma

Researchers at the much-acclaimed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, have opened the first clinical trial for mesothelioma patients that combines a recently approved immunotherapy treatment with targeted radiation. Potential for extending survival is there. This single-center phase I clinical trial opens June 24, and is expected to enroll at least 20 participants. It will study the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy, known as SBRT, when added to the immunotherapy combination of Opdivo and Yervoy. “The reasoning behind this study is that we need to build upon the success we’ve seen with immunotherapy in treating mesothelioma and take that momentum forward,” Dr. William Breen, radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic and trial principal investigator, told The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. “We’re hoping to see some real synergy.” In October 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Opdivo and Yervoy combination for mesothelioma. It was the first systemic, first-line treatment approved for mesothelioma in 16 years. It also was viewed as a major advancement, extending estimated survival by 30% from previous standard of care. Combination Immunotherapy Works Best for Mesothelioma Opdivo and Yervoy, also known by the generic names nivolumab and ipilimumab, respectively, are produced by pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb. Their effectiveness involves harnessing a patient’s own immune system to bet...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news