Learn about the New Combination Therapy for Pleural Mesothelioma
Immunotherapy has become an effective way to treat many cancers in the last few years, however, this type of treatment has eluded mesothelioma until recently. Now, new combination therapy is being used successfully on mesothelioma patients. In the fall of 2020, the FDA approved Opdivo® (nivolumab) combined with Yervoy® (ipilimumab) to treat mesothelioma. This combo represents the first frontline drug regiment in the past 16 years.
New Advance in Treating Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can now join other forms of cancer that benefit from immune system therapy. Clinical trials showed that this combination therapy was beneficial in hard to treat types of mesothelioma without the problems associated with chemotherapy. Besides, it works against the non-epithelial forms of mesothelioma, which may be resistant to existing modalities. One of the drugs, Opdivo®, is currently being used in other trials aimed at treating mesothelioma.
Prior Uses
In the past, Opdivo® and Yervoy® were both used to treat cancer of the renal cells, lung, and melanoma. Working together, the regimen acts as an inhibitor of immune checkpoints.
Use of Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination With Yervoy® for Mesothelioma
This combination therapy is currently FDA approved to treat pleural mesothelioma, which involves the lining of the lungs and the chest wall and does not respond to other treatments. A clinical trial of 606 patients was divided into 303 patients who were given the combo therapy and 302 who were not. The following results show:
| Combination Therapy | Chemotherapy |
| 50% of patients were alive after 18 months | 50% of patients were alive after 14.1 months |
| 41% of patients were alive after two years | 27% of patients were alive after two years |
What Are Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors?
The immune system is an important mechanism used by the body to maintain health. However, to avoid problems, the immune system is regulated. An overactive immune system can lead to diseases such as lupus and others. The immune system uses system checkpoints, which lessen the immune response to a trigger.
Some cancers take advantage of these system checkpoints to protect themselves from attack by immune cells. Therapy that targets checkpoint inhibitors can prevent a shutdown and restore immune system function.
Problems Associated With the Use of Opdivo® and Yervoy®
Since this combination therapy increases the immune response, it might cause the immune system to target body organs and tissues. It can also affect the way the organs work or result in life-threatening conditions or even death. This side effect can happen during therapy or after treatment is completed. The incidence of this side effect is higher when Opdivo® is used along with Yervoy®.
Other Side Effects
Some serious side effects of the Use of Opdivo® and Yervoy® combination therapy are:
- Intestinal problems such as colitis that can cause rips in the intestine wall may result from this combination.
- Lung problems such as pneumonitis can occur.
- The thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands can be affected.
- Pancreatic issues may develop.
- Skin issues may arise.
- Nephritis and kidney failure may occur.
- Inflammation of the brain, such as encephalitis, may happen.
- Severe reactions at the infusion site may erupt.
It is best to speak with your doctor to learn more about this new therapy for pleural mesothelioma.
Other Side Effects
Some less severe and common side effects are:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Pain in joints, muscles and bones
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Itching
- Cough
- Vomiting
- Intestinal pain
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infection
- Weight loss and dizziness
- Hypothyroid signs, symptoms and levels
Sacramento Mesothelioma Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento mesothelioma lawyer. If you are suffering from mesothelioma, staying abreast of new therapies is critical. So is holding a company whose practices led to this devastating disease responsible. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online.
I’ve helped numerous clients in the past 37+ years obtain the compensation they deserve.
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