Mesothelioma researchers from China have reported promising results following a Phase 2 trial that combined a bispecific antibody form of immunotherapy with platinum chemotherapy. The scientists presented their findings at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Data from Chinese Mesothelioma Research Called Encouraging
The mesothelioma study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Jilin Cancer Hospital in Changchun, China, presented data on the efficacy and safety of the novel drug combination in both pleural and peritoneal patients. It was one of the first trials to report the results of immuno-oncology therapy in combination with chemotherapy in the peritoneal form of the disease.
The specific immuno-oncology drug being tested on mesothelioma patients was BNT327/PM8002, a PD-L1/CWFD-A-directed bispecific antibody that has previously demonstrated a tolerable safety profile and signs of clinical activity in patients with thoracic malignancies. It was specifically designed to restore effector T-cell function by binding to PD-L1, as well as to normalize tumor vasculature and inhibit tumor growth. While previous tests have shown that this antibody combination can improve effectiveness and safety, this is the first phase 2 trial that combines it with platinum-based chemotherapy in a first-line setting for mesothelioma.
Treatment Tested on Mesothelioma Patients with Unresectable Tumors
The research involved 31 patients diagnosed with either unresectable pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. The results after a median follow-up of 22.3 months showed a confirmed overall response rate of 51.6%, with one complete response, 15 partial responses, 12 patients with stable disease, and two patients with progressive disease. The disease control rate was 90.3% among the whole population, and 89.5% for those specifically diagnosed with epithelioid histology.
Though it is too soon for the researchers to report median overall survival data among the mesothelioma patients and the study involved only a small group of patients, the researchers are encouraged by their results, with presenter Liang Zhang, MD, remarking, “The results presented are scientifically meaningful despite the small sample size. BNT326/PM8002 plus chemotherapy should be tested in a larger and broader group of patients with malignant mesothelioma.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you need information on treatment options, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
