Overall Response Rate Was 29.6% for Chemotherapy Drugs

Mesothelioma News

Sequential Chemotherapy Regime Showed Promise in Treating Mesothelioma Patients, According to New Study

BOLOGNA, ITALY — April 21, 2006 — Using a sequence of two chemotherapy combinations achieved positive results for some pleural mesothelioma patients, according to a new clinical study (Lung Cancer 2006 May; 52(2):1 99–206. Epub 2006 Mar 20). The first drug group consisted of cisplatin, a platinum compound, and gemcitabine, an antimetabolite, both of which slow cancer cell growth. The second drug group contained:

• » mitoxantrone, which blocks the formation of neoplasms or growths that may become cancerous
• » methotrexate (Trexall^®), an antimetabolite that blocks enzymes needed by cancer cells for survival
• » mitomycin, an antibiotic that slows cancer cell growth

Fifty–four patients with pleural mesothelioma took part in the study over a three–year period. They had not received other chemotherapy or radiation treatment, nor were they candidates for mesothelioma surgery. They received physical examinations, chest X–rays, and CT scans before, during, and at the end of the chemotherapy regime.

Overall, the response rate to the chemotherapy drugs was 29.6% and the survival time was about 13 months, several months beyond what could be expected without mesothelioma treatment. Three patients achieved a complete positive response, defined as the complete disappearance of all detectable cancer on at least two occasions at least four weeks apart. Thirteen patients had a partial response, as measured by partial decreases in the size of cancerous lesions. Mesothelioma remained stable in 33 patients. The disease progressed in the remaining five patients.

Treatment with the two chemotherapy drug combinations produced good symptom control, according to the researchers. Shortness of breath decreased in more than half the study group. Almost half the mesothelioma patients had less pain. However, side effects included decreased white blood cell count and anemia.

The researchers concluded that using the sequential drug combinations produced “a good response rate, moderate toxicity and clinical benefits.” They suggested that new clinical studies explore the use of cisplatin/pemetrexed, a drug combination approved to treat pleural mesothelioma in the United States, followed by mitoxantrone/methotrexate/mitomycin, the second drug combination used in the study.

Your Mesothelioma Case

For further details about mesothelioma treatment, see Pleural Mesothelioma: Choosing a Treatment that Is Right for You. Also see Mesothelioma Treatment: Chemotherapy and New Drug Research.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please feel free to contact us at Brayton Purcell to learn about your legal choices. We have been handling cases involving pleural mesothelioma and asbestos exposure for over 20 years and can provide support, information, and excellent advocacy.