Pleurectomy/Decortication with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Multimodal Therapy for a Longer Life

Numerous studies have shown that multimodal treatment is the best way to extend life expectancy. Furthermore, the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation has been successfully used in many cases in the past.

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the side effects and toxicity caused by radiation applied after surgery. Radiation therapy is typically not an option after a pleurectomy because it can cause severe toxicity in the sensitive lining of the lungs. IMRT, however, has been shown to avoid these side effects because the radiation can be targeted to specific areas.

Steps of This Trial

One of the greatest benefits of clinical trials is that they provide access to the doctors leading groundbreaking studies like this one. Mesothelioma specialists are able to make adjustments to your treatment as needed during this clinical trial, if treatments don’t have the intended effect.

1. Chemotherapy

Participants in the trial receive up to four cycles of Alimta and cisplatin. At this stage of the trial, treatment isn’t any different than what it would be outside the trial. If they aren’t responding well to these drugs, patients may withdraw from the trial or advance to the next step.

2. Pleurectomy

The pleurectomy has been shown to be one of the best ways for mesothelioma patients to improve their survival. The chemotherapy given before this step is used to shrink tumors and make surgery more successful. If a pleurectomy isn’t possible for the participant, they may still be eligible for surgery to remove the lung. Recommendations should be made by their doctor. These patients are still able to receive treatment with IMRT if they wish.

3. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

IMRT is the last step of the trial. It is also the focus of this trial. Participants who have completed a pleurectomy are the patients being recorded for this trial. The goal of radiation following surgery is to kill the microscopic mesothelioma cells that couldn’t be removed with surgery alone.

Who Is This Trial For?

If you are interested in taking the most aggressive form of treatment to fight your disease, and improve your prognosis, this trial could be for you. The doctors leading this study are there to make sure you get the most appropriate treatment for your condition, but are also interested in fighting the disease alongside you.

General eligibility criteria includes:

• No evidence of metastatic mesothelioma (spread to other organs)
• Participant hasn’t been treated with chemotherapy or radiation in past
• Must be in well enough health to undergo radical surgery

Locations

This clinical trial is being conducted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering and MD Anderson. Participants may receive treatment at any of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s facilities in New York and New Jersey. MD Anderson in Texas is no longer enrolling.

• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

  Principal Investigator: Dr. Andreas Rimner
  Memorial Sloan-Kettering maintains a legacy of outstanding treatment for its patients. The cancer center is one of the top mesothelioma treatment and research centers in the United States. Dr. Andreas Rimner is a radiation oncologist who specializes in pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. He is highly experienced and sees about 400 patients each year.

Do You Want to Enroll in This Trial?

The methods being tested in this trial aren’t as experimental as many other clinical trials. This trial is using treatments that have been consistently used in the past, just with a few modifications. If you are interested in participating in this study, we can get you connected to the location that best fits your needs. Get connected to this clinical trial today.