Tumor treating fields are one of the most promising innovations being offered to patients with malignant mesothelioma. The protocol uses electrical fields to kill cancer cells and was only recently approved for use in treating the rare asbestos-related disease. A study examining tumor treating fields’ effectiveness in treating patients with a different type of cancer – non-small cell lung cancer – recently reported promising results from its use, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival.
Malignant Mesothelioma vs Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Malignant mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer are very different diseases. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, while non-small cell lung cancer is almost always caused by smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. Malignant mesothelioma forms in the cells lining the chest or diaphragm, while non-small cell lung cancer takes hold deep in the lungs.
But there also certain similarities between the two diseases. Both malignant mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer are extremely challenging diseases. Both are treated using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Because of similarities between how the two diseases respond to these treatments, what is found to be successful in treating one disease may be applied to the other in future testing.
Meaningful Improvement in Overall Survival
The recently completed phase 3 LUNAR trial tested the effect of tumor treating fields plus standard-of-care therapies. It found that the use of the electrical therapy made a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival versus standard of care treatment alone in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. This offers real hope for patients with mesothelioma who are also being treated with tumor treating fields.
In a press release discussing the results, William Doyle, executive chairman of Novocure, said, “We are pleased with the positive readout of the LUNAR study. Prior to LUNAR, the last phase 3 trial to lead to significant improvement in OS in late-stage, platinum-resistant NSCLC was six years ago, underlining the difficulty in treating this disease. We are also pleased by the profound performance of the TTFields together with immunotherapy, which has the potential to meaningfully extend patient survival beyond what was previously possible.”
For those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, promising news about cancer treatments offers real hope. To learn about access to innovative treatment, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
