CURE's Clinical Trial Corner: Mesothelioma Edition

As the mesothelioma treatment landscape continues to grow, patients and their caregivers should be aware of the various clinical trials currently being conducted in this space — including trials they can possibly join.

Here is a list of active clinical trials currently underway in the mesothelioma space.

Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) Combination and Surgery With or Without Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this phase 1 pilot trial is to examine how the combination of Tecentriq, pemetrexed disodium, Platinol (cisplatin) and surgery performs with or without radiation in treating patients with stage 1-3 pleural malignant mesothelioma. This trial is currently in 174 locations around the country. See the full trial listing for more information about this trial, including eligibility criteria, locations and more.

Targeted Cancer Vaccine (Galinpepimut-S) Combined with Opdivo (Nivolumab) Immunotherapy

Offered by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this phase 1 study aims to assess the safety and effects of a cancer vaccine when given with Opdivo in patients with persistent pleural mesothelioma. Researchers involved in this trial believe that giving Opdivo in combination with a cancer vaccine will enhance the immune response in patients.

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) With or Without Anetumab Ravtansine

Because monoclonal antibodies, including anetumab ravtansine and Keytruda, are known to interfere with growth and proliferation of tumor cells, researchers have created this phase 1/2 trial to examine the combination in patients with mesothelin-positive pleural mesothelioma. Eligibility criteria, locations, contact information and more can be found on the trial listing.

Immunotherapy with Genetically Engineered T Cells

This phase 1 study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center hopes to expand on the treatment options available to patients with cancers of the pleura (the thin tissue that covers the lungs) by looking for the highest dose of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells needed to treat patients whose disease has continued to grow despite standard therapy. Learn more about what this trial entails by visiting the listing online.

Surgery, Chemotherapy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Patients with stage 1-3 pleural mesothelioma are being sought for this trial, which is studying the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy. Researchers hope to find that giving chemotherapy before radiation may help kill more tumor cells after surgery. To learn more about this trial, including how to enroll, see the full listing.