Almost two years after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab as first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom has granted the same approval for its citizens.
United Kingdom has Highest Prevalence of Mesothelioma in the World
Every year, approximately 2,700 people in the United Kingdom are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. The country has the highest prevalence of the asbestos-related disease in the world, in large part because of the long history of shipbuilding and the extensive reconstruction of infrastructure that was required following World War II.
It has been almost fifteen years since the NHS has approved a new treatment for mesothelioma, and it is expected that the immunotherapy combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab will benefit approximately 1,000 patients every year. Clinical trials of the drug have demonstrated improved survival as well as a complete halt to the disease’s progression over a three-year time period.
Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma Expected to Provide “More Precious Time”
Speaking on the approval and its impact on mesothelioma patients, Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer for the NHS in England, said, “The NHS is delighted that this new drug combination will now be available for patients with this aggressive type of cancer, giving them more precious time with their families and friends.”
He went on to say, “We know that unfortunately many people are likely to develop mesothelioma as the result of previous exposure to asbestos, but up to now we have had limited options for their treatment. This makes these new immunotherapy drugs even more vital and reinforces our commitment to using the latest treatments to improve the life chances of our patients.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, new medical developments offer significant hope. For information on accessing a variety of resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
