Key Takeaways
- While mesothelioma remains incurable, new research and clinical trials are producing increasingly promising results — improving both survival times and quality of life for patients.
- ADI-PEG20 is a new drug tested in the ATOMIC-meso trial (conducted at 43 sites across five countries over four years). It works by depleting arginine levels in the bloodstream, which suppresses tumor cell growth. Used in combination with chemotherapy.
- The FDA approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) combined with pemetrexed platinum chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma — adding a new standard-of-care option.
- Researchers have discovered that genetic signatures can help guide treatment decisions, and a clinical study showed that novel T-cell therapy can enable tumor regression in certain patients.
- Standard treatments — chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgery — remain the foundation of care, but emerging therapies are expanding the options available to patients.
The prognosis for mesothelioma has typically not been very promising, however, new research and clinical studies show that there is hope for better outcomes for patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Current research can be used to inform future treatment-based decisions.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops due to asbestos fibers being lodged in certain areas of the body. This cancer most commonly originates in the lining of the lungs and is associated with shortness of breath, cough, weight loss, and fatigue. Other even more rare forms of mesothelioma begin in the lining of the abdomen, the lining of the heart, and the testicles.
Standard Types of Treatment
Mesothelioma is currently an incurable cancer. That being the case, there are different treatment options that have been traditionally used that can prolong a patient’s life or give them a better quality of life. Typical mesothelioma treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
New Discoveries
Recently, it has been discovered that genetic signatures can help with deciding on potential treatments along with results from a clinical study showing that novel T-cell therapy can enable tumor regression in particular patients. These discoveries could result in a better prognosis for mesothelioma patients in the future.
A new drug has been introduced in a clinical trial that shows promising results. The drug is called ADI-PEG20 and is used in combination with chemotherapy. A study called the ATOMIC-meso trial was conducted at 43 different places in five countries over the span of four years. What was learned from this study led to the development of ADI-PEG20, which works to deplete arginine levels in the bloodstream, leading to the growth of tumor cells to be suppressed.
Pembrolizumab with pemetrexed platinum chemotherapy was approved by the FDA as a first-line form of treatment for those with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose tumors cannot be removed through surgery.
There are currently other drugs being studied and other forms of treatment being looked into that could help with the overall survival of mesothelioma victims.
Help is on the Way
Overall, it is vital that research continues to be done to help determine the best possible treatment for those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Although a rare form of cancer, there are still approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year in the US. Continued research and clinical trials will help us get closer to finding the most appropriate forms of treatment for each person.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, we are here to help get you compensated for your diagnosis, which can help pay for medical expenses, as treatment can be very costly. To find out more about how we can help you call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form. We provide information and legal services to those in Pennsylvania who have been affected by an asbestos-related disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the prognosis for mesothelioma improving?
Yes — gradually. While mesothelioma remains an aggressive and currently incurable cancer, recent clinical trials and drug approvals have produced meaningful improvements in survival times and quality of life. New drugs like ADI-PEG20, FDA approvals like pembrolizumab with chemotherapy, and emerging approaches like T-cell therapy and gene signature-guided treatment are all contributing to a more hopeful outlook than patients faced even five years ago.
What is ADI-PEG20 and how does it work?
ADI-PEG20 is a drug developed from findings in the ATOMIC-meso trial — a study conducted at 43 sites across five countries over four years. It works by depleting arginine levels in the bloodstream. Arginine is an amino acid that tumor cells need to grow — by reducing its availability, ADI-PEG20 suppresses tumor cell growth. The drug is used in combination with chemotherapy, not as a standalone treatment.
What is the pembrolizumab approval for mesothelioma?
The FDA approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in combination with pemetrexed platinum chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose tumors cannot be surgically removed. This approval added a new standard-of-care option — combining immunotherapy (pembrolizumab blocks PD-1 to restore immune function) with the established pemetrexed-cisplatin chemotherapy regimen.
How can genetic signatures improve mesothelioma treatment?
Every mesothelioma tumor has a unique genetic signature — a pattern of gene expression that affects how the cancer behaves, how it responds to treatment, and how likely it is to spread. By analyzing a tumor’s genetic signature, doctors can make more informed decisions about which therapies are most likely to be effective for that specific patient. This personalized approach moves away from one-size-fits-all treatment and toward individualized treatment plans based on each tumor’s biology.
What is T-cell therapy for mesothelioma?
T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which a patient’s T cells (immune cells) are modified or enhanced to better recognize and attack mesothelioma cells. A recent clinical study demonstrated that novel T-cell therapy can enable tumor regression — meaning the tumors actually shrank — in certain patients. This is a significant advancement because most traditional treatments achieve tumor stability (cancer stops growing) rather than regression (cancer shrinks).
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, understanding all available treatment options — including clinical trials and newly approved therapies — is an important step. Treatment can be costly, and compensation may be available to help cover medical expenses. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
