Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a notoriously difficult form of cancer to treat. The aggressive, asbestos-related disease is always considered fatal, with most patients succumbing to their illness within a year of diagnosis. However, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network recently reported good results after treating a patient with immunotherapy drugs.
Mesothelioma Diagnosed in 68-Year-Old Man
In a treatment profile published on their website, Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) detailed the case of 68-year-old Roger Siddons, who was originally diagnosed with either Stage IV lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma. He sought a second opinion at the Froedtert & MCW, where his mesothelioma diagnosis was confirmed. Though not a candidate for surgery, he was started on a course of chemotherapy.
When the mesothelioma tumors did not respond to traditional treatment, medical oncologist Jonathan Thompson, MD, MS, recommended immunotherapy in the form of nivolumab and ipilimumab to trigger Mr. Siddons’ immune system to fight the cancer cells. Initial follow-up scans showed promise, as the tumors were shrinking, but new lymph node involvement had also appeared. The physician recommended patience and continued treatment, and a year later, the tumors were either shrinking or stable, and Mr. Siddons was feeling well.
Physician Notes Need for Patience in Use of Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma Treatment
Commenting on the success of the mesothelioma treatment, Dr. Thompson sounded optimistic: “Due to our extensive experience using immunotherapy to treat people with mesothelioma, we were confident that because Roger was feeling so much better, we were getting the response we would expect. Sometimes, it looks like patients are getting worse, but if you give immunotherapy a little time, people can show signs of improvement.”
Though Mr. Siddons did experience a complication typical for use of immunotherapy, it is being well managed, and doctors are hopeful that eventually his body will begin fighting the mesothelioma on its own.
For more information on state-of-the-art treatment for mesothelioma and other helpful resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
