New Live Bacterium Immunotherapy May Improve MPM Response Rate
A new study is using immunotherapy with live bacterium along with chemotherapy to help treat malignant pleural mesothelioma. The testing shows over 90% disease control and 59% response rate. The trial was presented yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland at the 2016 European Lung Cancer Conference.
The immunotherapy used was called CRS-207, a live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes bacterium that focuses on the containment of two gene deletions. It diminishes pathogenicity and can express mesothelin, as well.
According to the study, 38 patients received two CRS-207 infusions two weeks apart, then up to six pemetrexed cycles plus cisplatin three weeks apart. Finally, they were given two more CRS-207 infusions three weeks apart. As a result, 59% of the patients who used the immunotherapy showed partial response after a 9.4 month follow-up.
Initial side effects involved an increase in body temperature and rigors, but they subsided within 24 hours. About the safety of the immunotherapy agent, Professor Thierry Jahan said
The safety of the agent was remarkable. It really does appear to be safe, and was well-tolerated in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy. There didn't seem to be any cumulative toxicity.
This could be yet another step in the right direction for finding a cure to help treat mesothelioma patients. If the response rates continue to improve in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma and the immunotherapy plus chemotherapy treatment proves to be effective, it could go a long way in ridding people of this condition.
At Worthington & Caron, we are advocates for patients suffering with mesothelioma. We believe that a cure can be found and we are encouraged any time a new clinical trial is brought forward to help in this objective. If you have developed mesothelioma and need assistance with a potential legal matter, we would like to speak with you. Call us today and learn how we may be able to help.
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