Phase I Trial Looks at Vaccine Therapy and GM-CSF as a New Mesothelioma Treatment for Patients with Mesothelioma and Other Cancers

A Phase I study has been initiated by mesothelioma research doctors in addition to others, to determine if vaccine therapy in conjunction with biological therapies, like GM-CSF, are a good treatment option for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, non- small cell lung cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and a new mesothelioma treatment option. The rationale behind this study is that vaccines derived from peptides can assist the body in its defense against cancerous cells. While biological therapies, like GM-CSF, can stimulate the immune system in other ways to curb the growth of cancerous cells. Malignant mesothelioma research is necessary in finding a new mesothelioma treatment.

This Phase I study, which is being conducted by mesothelioma research doctors and other researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, will examine the side effects of GM-CSF and vaccine therapy on patients. The principal investigator conducting this trial for a potential new mesothelioma treatment-whose official name is Pilot Trial of a WT-1 Analog Peptide Vaccine in Patients With Thoracic and Myeloid Neoplasms-is Doctor Lee M. Krug. To learn more about this Phase I clinical trial and malignant mesothelioma research, please click on the following link to access the website ClinicalTrials.gov.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that occurs primarily in the lining of the lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelioma typically occurs at least fifteen years after an individuals first exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma even when the exposure occurs for a short duration. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and exposure can occur without a worker even knowing it. Mesothelioma occurs not only in people working directly with Asbestos products but also in bystanders and family members exposed to Asbestos dust. A new mesothelioma treatment would be welcomed by victims suffering and by malignant mesothelioma research doctors. Mesothelioma attorneys at LPK have prosecuted lawsuits on behalf of mesothelioma victims in New York and New Jersey for more than twenty-five years.