Mesothelioma Treatment in Clinical Trial

Posted by

April 28, 2008

There are a number of clinical trials currently underway for the treatment of mesothelioma, the lethal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are often in the latter stages of their lives because the disease can take decades to develop after the patient has undergone asbestos exposure.

Chemotherapy is fairly standard treatment for mesothelioma, because it is such a fast moving cancer and because it tends to move from the lungs to other parts of the body fairly rapidly. One of the clinical trials now underway under the supervision of the National Cancer Institute is the use of Avastin in combination with chemotherapy.

Avastin is a drug that was developed by Genentech Inc. and initially approved in 2004 by the FDA for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Avastin’s approach to cancer treatment is a unique approach, designed to inhibit angiogenesis - the process by which new blood vessels develop and carry vital nutrients to a tumor. It is the first FDA approved drug to utilize this approach to cancer control.

Now, there is a trial underway that is currently in Phase II, combining Avastin with chemotherapy in an attempt to prolong the lives of mesothelioma patients. It is being conducted principally in France, but they appear to be soliciting potential participants. Consult the NCI page above for further information.

News