In a groundbreaking development, scientists in the United Kingdom have heralded a “truly wonderful” new drug as a potential game-changer in the fight against mesothelioma, a hard-to-treat and aggressive form of cancer. The innovative treatment, developed by researchers at Queen Mary University London, has shown promising results, quadrupling three-year survival rates and extending average survival by 1.6 months.
Mesothelioma, primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, poses a significant challenge due to its aggressive nature and poor survival rates. With thousands diagnosed globally each year, the need for effective therapies is critical. The new drug, a breakthrough after two decades, targets the tumour’s food supply, offering hope for patients battling this devastating disease.
The international trial, spanning five countries including the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, and Taiwan, involved 249 patients with pleural mesothelioma. Led by Professor Peter Szlosarek at Queen Mary University, the study evaluated the efficacy of the drug ADI-PEG20 (pegargiminase) in combination with chemotherapy. Results from the ATOMIC-meso trial, published in the journal JAMA Oncology, demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to standard treatment.
Patients receiving pegargiminase-chemotherapy experienced an average survival of 9.3 months, compared to 7.7 months for those on placebo-chemotherapy. Additionally, the combination therapy increased median overall survival by 1.6 months and quadrupled survival rates at 36 months, marking a significant milestone in mesothelioma treatment.
The success of the new drug, which depletes arginine levels in the bloodstream, represents a paradigm shift in cancer therapy. By targeting cancer cell metabolism, it effectively inhibits tumour growth, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
“This discovery is something I have been driving from its earliest stages in the lab, with a new treatment, ADI-PEG20, now improving patient lives affected by mesothelioma,” remarked Professor Szlosarek, highlighting the transformative impact of the research.
The introduction of this groundbreaking therapy not only represents a significant advancement in mesothelioma treatment but also underscores the potential of targeted therapies in revolutionizing cancer care. As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of cancer biology, innovative treatments like ADI-PEG20 offer a ray of hope for patients battling this formidable disease.
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