At the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting this last past week, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine shared some exciting news about using a skin cancer drug that may help treat mesothelioma tumors.
The drug known as pembrolizumab (Keytruda), is FDA-approved for use in patients with metastatic melanoma that have already undergone “first-line therapies,” which include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. While the drug is still not approved for use in mesothelioma patients, this clinical test shows some positive results that could lead to eventual approval, the researchers hope.
In the drug test, pembrolizumab was tested on 25 patients that had already received first-line therapy for mesothelioma. The results proved 76% of the patients had a positive reaction to the drug. 12 of the patients’ tumors stayed the same size and didn’t get any larger, 7 patients’ tumors shrunk, 2 patients were not assessed, and only 4 patients experienced tumor growth.
Obviously, further study is required, but the approval of a drug that helps to shrink or stop mesothelioma tumor growth could be a wonderful development in the lives of those suffering from mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare and terminal cancer that typically affects the linings of the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testicles. It is caused by the exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a natural compound that is extremely heat-resistant and has been used in a variety of commercial industries for over a century. While employers were made aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure, many of them chose not to protect their employees who, subsequently, contracted mesothelioma.
If you’re suffering from mesothelioma due to an employer’s lack of protection, our Baltimore mesothelioma settlement attorneys at The Law Office of Brown| Kiely, LLP can help get you compensation. We can fight to get you help with your medical expenses, insurance claims, and help your family with all bills that may be suffering if you’ve had to stop working. Contact us today by calling (410) 625-9330.
