Researchers from the University of Leicester have just completed a phase 2 trial exploring a new approach to treating malignant mesothelioma. Their study tested abemaciclib, a drug that blocks the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply and grow into tumors. They wanted to see whether it offered safe and effective control of the rare, asbestos-related disease.
Abemaciclib Restores Chromosome Frequently Lost in Mesothelioma Patients
The researchers detailed the results of their mesothelioma study, referred to as MiST2, in an article published in The Lancet Oncology this week. They explained that, “Mesotheliomas frequently harbor loss of the chromosome 9p21.3 locus (CDKN2A-MAP), which is associated with shorter overall survival.”
They theorized that the shortened survival of mesothelioma patients with this chromosome loss was caused by the loss of a tumor suppressor that specifically targets CDK 4/6, a protein linked to the rapid spread of the cancer. They tested abemaciclib to see whether it would restore the p16ink4A tumor suppressor and therefore strengthen the body’s ability to attack the malignant tumors.
Study Included 26 Mesothelioma Patients
To test the drug, they enlisted 26 patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had tested negative for the tumor suppressor. All of them had already received first-line treatment of pemetrexed with either carboplatin or cisplatin. Each received 200 mg of abemaciclib twice a day for 12 weeks to determine effectiveness of safety.
They found that 54 percent of the mesothelioma patients demonstrated disease control at 12 weeks, while three had a partial response and 11 had stable disease. This met the study’s primary endpoint and yielded a median progression-free survival of 128 days and median overall survival of 217 days. Though 92% of participants experienced adverse effects, the most common were fatigue and diarrhea, with serious adverse effects only reported by 23%. The researchers concluded, “Further genomic analysis of the trial cohort will be required to uncover molecular correlates that underpin the observed responses and to refine molecular stratification.”
While researchers continue to search for a cure for mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help you with your day-to-day needs. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
