May 3, 2012 – Mesothelioma is a rare but highly aggressive type of cancer that affects about 3,000 Americans each year. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers through ingestion or inhalation. The fibers enter the body and become trapped resulting in cancer cells that begin to divide continuously. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the outer lining of the lungs, also called the pleural membrane or pleura. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are clinical trials being conducted to study the disease and to develop potentially new therapies.
National Clinical Trial Recruiting Pleural Mesothelioma Patients for Clinical Trial
The National Institute of Health Clinical Center is currently seeking eligible patients suffering from epithelial pleural mesothelioma who have not had any prior treatment with chemotherapy and whose disease is not curable with surgery to participate in a clinical trial. The trial involves a genetically engineered immunotoxin drug manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, Inc. called SS1(dsFV)PE38, also known as SS1P. The purpose of this trial is to study the side effects and best dose of SS1P when administered together with Premetrexed and Cisplatin with the goal of improving survival rates.
The standard treatment for pleural mesothelioma has been a combination chemotherapy regimen of Premetrexed and Cisplatin that can help delay the progression of the disease. Researchers are hoping that using the immunotoxin SS1P in combination with the chemotherapy agents mentioned above would improve outcomes. It has been found that mesothelioma cancer cells have a certain protein in them called Mesothelin. SS1P contains a bacterial toxin that is linked to an antibody that recognizes the protein Mesothelin and can bind to it. Researchers hope that the antibody will selectively target the tumor cells and kill them without damaging healthy cells.
Patients who are accepted into the mesothelioma clinical trial will be given SS1P in combination with Pemetrexed and Cisplatin. A dose of the SS1P will be administered to a small group of patients. If this group experiences no significant side effects, the dose will be increased for the next group. The dose will continue to be increased with each new group until the maximum tolerated dose is determined. Researchers will also study the side effects of this combination treatment and how the body breaks down the immunotoxin drug. Evaluations during the trial include physical examinations, blood and urine tests, and disease assessments including scans and x-rays.
Our Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help Victims Suffering From Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one has suffered from exposure to asbestos, and developed mesothelioma, it is imperative for you to contact a Philadelphia mesothelioma attorney such as the experienced and dedicated lawyers at Shein Law. Once you make the decision to pursue your rights, our Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers will guide you through the complex litigation process as we advocate for you and your family. We will fight to secure the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve for your pain and suffering, medical treatment, and loss of wages. For a thorough review of your case, we encourage you to contact our Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at 1-877-SHEINLAW (877-743-4652) or contact us online.