Mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive, most deadly forms of cancer, and researchers around the world have dedicated themselves to finding a way to improve outcomes for those impacted by this asbestos-related disease. Recently, the University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust announced that they will be conducting a randomized clinical trial to determine whether highly targeted proton beam therapy can significantly improve mesothelioma patients’ survival and quality of life. The goal is to increase two-year overall survival from approximately 30% to 50% in selected patients.
Mesothelioma’s Median Survival is Only 12 to 18 Months
Mesothelioma has a median survival of only 12 to 18 months, and currently there is no cure available. Treatment options are extremely limited, with many patients’ first-line treatment being a combination of platinum and pemetrexed chemotherapy and the immune checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and ipilimumab.
Conventional radiotherapy has been shown to help control small areas of mesothelioma, but when it comes to the full lining of the lung, where mesothelioma typically spreads. The area is large and close to critical structures, and radiation to the heart, healthy lung tissue, and liver pose the risk of unacceptable harm to patients already weakened by their disease. That’s why proton beam therapy offers such promise.
The Promise of Proton Beam Therapy for Mesothelioma
Proton beam therapy offers a very different approach to treating mesothelioma. It deposits most of its energy within the tumor rather than beyond it, potentially reducing radiation exposure to healthy surrounding tissue. “Conventional radiotherapy simply cannot safely cover the full area affected by the disease without causing unacceptable harm to healthy tissue,” said Dr. Crispin Hiley, clinical associate professor and HIT-MESO chief investigator. “Proton beam therapy allows us to deliver high-dose radiation far more precisely, sparing critical organs like the heart and healthy lung.”
The phase 3 multicenter trial will test whether proton beam therapy can delay the need for systemic mesothelioma therapy and increase two-year overall survival from approximately 30% to 50%. The trial is sponsored by UCL and funded by Asthma + Lung UK. Mesothelioma UK is providing funding to support travel and accommodation costs for participating patients. The trial aims to recruit up to 148 mesothelioma patients from centers across England and Wales. Eligible participants will receive daily proton beam therapy over five days for five weeks. If successful, the trial could fundamentally change how mesothelioma is treated in the UK, making way for proton beam therapy to become a new standard treatment for selected mesothelioma patients.
Every new clinical trial and discovery brings mesothelioma patients one step closer to better outcomes. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with this rare form of cancer, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today for guidance and access to invaluable resources.
