Biotechnology company RS Oncology has announced the start of a new Phase 2 clinical study of its drug, RSO-021 for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic malignancies, and the successful first dosing of a patient. The multicenter study based in the United Kingdom is evaluating the drug’s impact on patients suffering the effects of malignant pleural effusion.
United Kingdom Study Evaluates Drug’s Impact on Mesothelioma Patients
According to a press release, RS Oncology successfully dosed the first patient to be involved in the Phase 2 dose expansion portion of its multicenter study, which is testing RSO-021 on patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma and other metastatic cancers. The research teams are being headed up by Professor Dean Fennell, Director of the Mesothelioma Research Programme at Leicester University Hospitals, with support from Dr. Joanna Dzialo and Dr. Aleksandra Bzura.
Speaking of the mesothelioma study’s importance, Dr. Fennell said, “RSO-021 is an exciting novel anti-cancer treatment that can potentially help a global population of cancer patients who are left with little to no options.” He explained that pleural effusions are common and painful clinical symptoms suffered by patients with thoracic malignancies. It represents the build-up of fluid in the lining membrane of the lungs and occurs in roughly 15% of patients with end-stage cancer.
Pleural Effusions Contribute to Morbidity in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
According to the researchers, pleural effusions produce significant morbidity in the majority of mesothelioma patients who experience it, and ROS-021 is designed to overcome its impact. The drug will be administered once a week, directly into the pleural space after the effusions have been drained via an indwelling pleural catheter.
The first phase of the study was completed in the fourth quarter of 2023 and established a recommended dose to be tested in Phase 2, as well as a safety/tolerability profile. To participate in the MITOPE study, patients must meet one of the following criteria:
- First presenting with MPE due to malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and before standard-of-care (SOC) treatment (a window of opportunity arm).
- With MPE who have failed first-line SOC treatment and have relapsed disease.
- With local metastatic lung disease and MPE.
- With MPE due to advanced metastatic breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancers (in combination with systemic paclitaxel).
Dr. Fennell noted, “Mesothelioma has notoriously been a difficult cancer to treat, especially since patients are often diagnosed in the more advanced stages. RSO-021 exhibits a unique mechanism of action that we believe could provide new hope to patients with this disease.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma and would like information on participating in clinical trials, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
