Research Study Shows Immunotherapy Drug Could Potentially Benefit Mesothelioma Patients, Baron & Budd Reports
05 May 2015 - 7:03AM
Business Wire
Pembrolizumab May Shrink or Halt Spread of Tumors, According to
Study Results
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently released
the results of a study showing that the cancer immunotherapy drug
pembrolizumab may be effective in shrinking or halting the spread
of mesothelioma tumors, the mesothelioma law firm Baron & Budd
reports. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the
American Association of Cancer Research, which was held April 18-22
in Philadelphia.
According to researchers, the drug was successful in either
slowing the spread or shrinking malignant pleural mesothelioma
tumors in 76 percent of patients participating in the study. The
disease primarily attacks the lining of the lungs and abdomen,
although it also affects the lining of the heart in some instances.
The only known cause of pleural malignant mesothelioma is the
inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers.
The research team was comprised of scientists from the United
Kingdom, United States and Europe. Of the 25 patients who were
given pembrolizumab, seven of them experienced shrinkage of tumors.
The drug, according to the results of the study, halted tumor
growth in 12 patients. The disease progressed in four patients, and
two others had not been assessed at the time the study was
released. There were no adverse events reported by any of the
patients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of
pembrolizumab in 2014 to treat a form of melanoma. It targets PD-1,
which is also known as programmed cell death protein 1. By blocking
PD-1, the drug helps the immune system attack tumors.
“This is obviously a very promising sign in the fight against
mesothelioma,” said Russell Budd, president and managing
shareholder of the mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd. “We
will be closely watching the results of further trials and
research.”
Please contact the mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd if
you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this aggressive disease.
We can let you know if you qualify to file lawsuit against the
asbestos companies responsible for the diagnosis. Call
1.866.855.1229 or email info@baronbudd.com.
ABOUT BARON & BUDD, P.C.
Established in 1977, Baron & Budd, P.C. is a prominent
plaintiffs’ law firm committed to protecting the rights of
individuals, municipalities, businesses and other entities. One of
the first law firms to successfully litigate an asbestos lawsuit,
Baron & Budd continues to actively represent veterans, industry
workers, and others who have mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung
cancer. Determined to fight for the public interest, Baron &
Budd is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the country with a
robust practice that includes asbestos exposure cases,
environmental contamination, Gulf Oil spill damages, unsafe
pharmaceuticals and medical devices, overtime violations, and
financial fraud. Baron & Budd achieved the largest mesothelioma
verdict in the United States in 2012. Visit Fight Mesothelioma,
Baron & Budd's dedicated mesothelioma website
FightMesothelioma.com or call 1.866.855.1229 for information on
medical treatments, mesothelioma cancer doctors and treatment
centers, high risk jobs, veterans issues and financial assistance
for asbestos cancer care.
Baron & Budd, P.C.Susan Jones Knape,
214-629-0596sknape@baronbudd.comorBradley Bowen,
214-523-6260bbowen@baronbudd.com