Phase II Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma

How Keytruda Works

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) was developed by the global healthcare company, Merck. It is an antibody drug that has been shown to improve a mesothelioma patient’s prognosis.

PD-L1 is a protein in some people’s bodies that suppresses their immune system. Cancer cells use this protein to keep the immune system from realizing that they are dangerous. If the immune system doesn’t see the threat, it won’t attack the cancer cells.

Keytruda works to block the PD-1 receptor on cancer cells, keeping proteins like PD-L1 from being effective. Without the PD-L1 the immune system recognizes the cancer cells as a threat and can work to destroy them.

Early Results:

• Early findings showed 48 percent of patients were able to stabilize their condition and 28 percent of patients saw improvement in their condition. In other words 76 percent of patients had their condition under control because of Keytruda.
• In another study, Keytruda was able to reduce tumor size in 14 of 25 mesothelioma patients. The median progression free survival was 5.4 months. The median overall survival was 18 months.

Who Is This Trial For?

This trial is available for patients with peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. Patients with epithelial, sarcomatoid, or biphasic cell types are all eligible. This trial is especially helpful for patients who have received chemotherapy in the form of Alimta (pemetrexed) and a platinum, either cisplatin or carboplatin. However, treatment naive patients will be considered.

General eligibility criteria includes:

• Diagnosed pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma
• Treated with no more than 2 types of chemotherapy
• Had disease progression after/while taking chemotherapy
• Wait two weeks after radiation or chemotherapy
• Free of active hepatitis B, HIV, or some autoimmune diseases

Location

• University of Chicago Cancer Center

  Principal Investigator: Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
  Dr. Kindler is renowned for her work with mesothelioma and sees over 100 mesothelioma patients per year. She has been the principal investigator for several important trials at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. UCCCC is home to one of the largest mesothelioma treatment programs in the country.

Getting Enrolled in This Trial

Dr. Kindler is a top mesothelioma doctor and the UCCCC is a top facility. This expert care along with the promising drug Keytruda is an impressive combination. This trial could be life-changing for mesothelioma patients. If you think this trial may be for you, contact us for more information about participating.