A phase 1 trial of a new mesothelioma and ovarian cancer drug has begun at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and Washington University at St. Louis, and mesothelioma victims are hopeful that it will provide the same positive results in humans as it has shown in initial laboratory testing. The drug is known as MCY-M11, an autologous CAR drug candidate made by MaxCyte. Initial testing has shown that when infused into mesothelin-expressing solid tumors like those seen in both ovarian cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma, it will effectively inhibit the growth of the tumors, providing extended survival for those afflicted with these deadly diseases.
The drug, which is currently being tested on both ovarian cancer patients and patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, had previously been evaluated in nonclinical studies. That research showed that a single injection of MCY-M11 led to inhibition of tumor growth as well as extended overall survival of laboratory animals, and that when the drug was injected weekly its impact was even greater – the more injections the animals received, the greater the effect. Importantly, the study revealed no toxicities outside of the tumors as a result of the injections.
While mesothelioma patients and their loved ones are watching the program with great anticipation, they also understand that it may take some time before the drug is available outside of the clinical trial. Though MaxCyte does participate in expanded access of its experimental drugs, MCY-M11 is in its earliest stage of development and testing, and therefore patients are only able to gain access to it through the clinical trial process. Patients are invited to determine whether they are eligible to enroll through www.clinicaltrials.gov.
At Mesothelioma.net, we appreciate the sense of urgency that comes with a mesothelioma diagnosis, whether it is you that is sick or someone you love. For information about the many resources available to you, contact our Patient Advocates at 1-800-692-8608.
