Researchers with the National Cancer Institute have announced that the first phase II human trial of the experimental cancer drug amatuximab for pleural mesothelioma has produced some encouraging results.
When administered along with the traditional chemotherapy, amatuximab appears to be able to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and extend survival. The drug was granted orphan drug status in the U.S. in 2012 for its potential to improve mesothelioma treatment.
The study was led by Raffit Hassan, MD, of the National Cancer Institute and involved 89 pleural mesothelioma patients from 26 centers.
The good news is that, not only was the treatment well tolerated, but it was shown that it either shrank mesothelioma tumors or stopped their growth in 90% of patients.
Although the treatment did not significantly extend survival in these patients, overall survival was better than standard treatments. The average overall survival among mesothelioma patients on the combination treatment with amatuximab was 14.8 months, with a third of patients still alive and five still on amatuximab for maintenance when the tests were concluded. With standard therapy, mesothelioma survival is often less than 12 months.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, and have developed an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately. Or contact us online for a free consultation.
