Researchers at the Queen Mary University of London have conducted a study on a treatment for mesothelioma that has increased survival time by 1.6 months.
The study, led by Professor Peter Szlosarek, included 249 pleural mesothelioma patients who all received chemotherapy treatment every three weeks, for up to six cycles. In addition to the chemotherapy, for two years, half of the participants were given injections of ADI-PEG20 (pegargiminase), and half were given a placebo.
The new drug, pegargiminase, works by cutting off the food supply to the tumours and it was hoped that this would therefore reduce growth and increase survival.
The results found that participants who received the pegargiminase along with their chemotherapy treatment survived for an average of 9.3 months, compared to a survival rate of 7.7 months for those who had the placebo. It was also found that the progression free survival of the participants who received the pegargiminase was 6.2 months, compared to 5.6 months for the placebo group.
Truly wonderful
Professor Szlosarek was extremely pleased with the results of the study, stating; “It’s truly wonderful to see the research into the arginine starvation of cancer cells come to fruition”. He has spent decades working on cancer and mesothelioma research and is an expert in his field.
We are very fortunate that we are able to rely on Professor Szlosarek in our mesothelioma cases where our clients would benefit from private medical treatment. He regularly prepares reports in support of our claims for funding of private treatment, and this has helped many of our clients receive treatment that they would otherwise not be able to afford. This treatment can help reduce symptoms and give clients more time with their loved ones.
How can we help?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related condition, we can help. Contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.
Source
Peter W. Szlosarek, MD, PhD1,3,19; Benjamin C. Creelan, MD2; Thomas Sarkodie, MD3; et al, “Pegargiminase Plus First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients With Nonepithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma – The ATOMIC-Meso Randomized Clinical Trial”, February 2024