In yet another step forward in the journey to defeat malignant mesothelioma, researchers at Targovax have announced remarkable median overall survival in its two year studyo assessing ONCOS-102 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy. The company reports that they have extended median overall survival from 13.5 months without their treatment to between 21.9 months and 25 months, nearly doubling the life expectancy for many patients.
Study Assesses Treatment for Mesothelioma Patients
The results of the study, which explored safety, immune activation and efficacy of ONCOS-102 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in first- and second (or later) line mesothelioma patients, were released as it passed the 24-month follow-up point. Of the 31 patients enrolled, 20 received the combination and 11 only received chemotherapy. That control group of 11 patients had a median overall survival of 13.5 months, while those receiving the ONCOS-102 were in the range of 21.9 to 25 months.
The researchers report that ONCOS-102 effected immune activation in the mesothelioma tumors, with the microenvironment remodeled to allow T-cell infiltration and an improved number of pro-inflammatory immune cells. This shift was associated with greater tumor response and survival income, leading researchers to conclude that it is specifically ONCOS-102’s immune activation that provided the clinical benefit.
Principal Investigator Encouraged by ONCOS-102 Mesothelioma Results
Speaking of the results of the study, Dr. Luis Paz-Ares, Chair of the Medical Oncology Department at the Hospital Doce de Octubre, Madrid and Principal Investigator of the trial, said, “Mesothelioma remains a challenging disease with a generally poor prognosis, and there is a large unmet medical need for new, innovative treatments such as ONCOS-102. Although the number of patients in this trial is small, the overall survival is very encouraging, particularly since the outcomes can be linked to ONCOS-102-induced immuno-modulation. These early results clearly support further clinical development, and we look forward to participating in future trials with ONCOS-102 in mesothelioma.”
In addition to continuing their study, Targovax has suggested that the company may soon explore combining ONCOS-102 with Opdivo/Yervoy to determine whether they are able to provide additional benefit for mesothelioma patients.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, recent breakthroughs in medical treatment are cause for hope. For more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
