Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Will Use Two-Drug Combo Method

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http://www.asbestos.com/news/2010/04/12 ... py-method/

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In a clinical trial being conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the effectiveness and correct dosage of a two-drug chemotherapy method is being tested on mesothelioma patients who have undergone surgery.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos and symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise after initial exposure. For this reason, people often unknowingly develop the cancer and are diagnosed when it has already reached the advanced stages of development.

A total of 36 malignant mesothelioma patients are being enrolled for the study. One of the chemotherapy drugs being used is cisplatin, which has become a recognized treatment option for mesothelioma. The clinical trial will also be testing the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine to see if the addition of the drug can be accomplished safely and can improve treatment.

Dr. David Sugarbaker, chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is the lead investigator for the trial. Much of his research has been centered on malignant pleural mesothelioma and he is most noted for his multi-modal approach to combating the cancer.

Current treatment options for this cancer are limited and researchers are still looking for a cure. Most methods of treatment offered to patients are palliative and do not attempt to cure the cancer. Nonetheless, clinical trials like the one being carried out at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are providing answers for researchers looking for a cure.

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(Asbestos.com, Asbestos & Mesothelioma News, April 12, 2010)

Disclaimer:

The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.