Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma: Success Rates & Types

Mesothelioma immunotherapy harnesses the body’s natural defense system to combat malignant pleural mesothelioma.

This innovative approach enhances immune system function, enabling it to recognize and destroy cancer cells that previously evaded detection, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.

Engaging Immune Cells to Target Cancer Cells

The immune system’s T cells play a vital role in identifying and attacking mesothelioma cells throughout the body.

When functioning properly, these specialized immune cells can effectively kill cancer cells, but tumor cells often develop mechanisms to hide from immune detection.

Immunotherapy drugs work through multiple pathways to enhance immune response:

• Immune Recognition: Helps the immune system identify previously hidden cancer cells
• Enhanced Response: Strengthens the body’s natural ability to fight disease
• Targeted Attack: Directs immune cells specifically toward mesothelioma tumors
• Sustained Protection: Creates lasting immune memory against cancer cells

These treatment approaches have shown particular promise for patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, offering new options when surgery isn’t possible.

Clinical trials continue to demonstrate improved survival rates compared to traditional treatments alone.

The Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Treatment

Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a breakthrough in malignant mesothelioma treatments, with drugs like Keytruda and Opdivo leading to significant survival improvements for many patients with pleural mesothelioma.

Key checkpoint inhibitors target specific cellular pathways:

• PD-1 Inhibitors: Block proteins that prevent immune system activation
• CTLA-4 Blockers: Remove barriers to immune cell function
• Combination Therapy: Multiple checkpoint inhibitors working together
• Maintenance Treatment: Ongoing therapy to prevent cancer recurrence

Research shows these treatments can extend survival beyond 18 months in some cases, with two-year survival rates reaching 41% when compared to traditional chemotherapy approaches.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Targeting Specific Cancer Cells

CAR T cell therapy and other monoclonal antibody treatments represent the latest advancement in targeted immunotherapy approaches.

These specialized treatments modify immune cells to specifically target and eliminate mesothelioma tumor cells while preserving healthy tissue.

Advanced antibody treatments provide targeted benefits:

• Precision Targeting: Engineered antibodies specifically seek out cancer cells
• Reduced Side Effects: More selective treatment means less damage to healthy tissue
• Enhanced Effectiveness: Combined with other treatments for optimal results
• Ongoing Protection: Creates lasting immune response against cancer

Clinical trials continue to explore new monoclonal antibody treatments, with promising results showing improved survival rates and quality of life for mesothelioma patients who receive these innovative therapies.

Immunotherapy for mesothelioma encompasses several innovative approaches that harness the power of the immune system to fight this aggressive cancer.

By stimulating the body’s natural defenses, these treatments offer new hope for patients facing a challenging diagnosis.

The main types of immunotherapy used in mesothelioma treatment include cancer vaccines, cell and protein therapies, and monoclonal antibodies, each targeting the immune system in unique ways to attack cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.

Mesothelioma Cancer Vaccines: Stimulating Immune Response

Cancer vaccines are an active form of immunotherapy that aims to stimulate the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy mesothelioma cells.

These vaccines can be either preventive, designed to lower the risk of recurrence, or therapeutic, intended to treat active disease.

While not a cure, mesothelioma cancer vaccines show promise in clinical trials for improving survival and quality of life.

Researchers are currently investigating several promising vaccine candidates:

• CRS-207: A therapeutic vaccine targeting the mesothelin protein, which is overexpressed in mesothelioma tumors
• Galinpepimut-S (WT1): A vaccine targeting the WT1 protein, which is also commonly found in mesothelioma cells
• OX40 Receptor Vaccine: A preventive vaccine that has shown encouraging results in animal studies for reducing the risk of mesothelioma recurrence
• Allogeneic Tumor Cell Lysate: A vaccine derived from mesothelioma cells that stimulates a broad immune response against the cancer

While these vaccines are still in the experimental phase, early clinical trial results suggest they may play a significant role in the future of mesothelioma treatment, particularly when combined with other therapies like chemotherapy or surgery.

Cell and Protein Therapies: Innovative Approaches

Cell therapies involve the direct administration of immune cells to patients treated for mesothelioma, aiming to boost the body’s natural defenses against the cancer.

One promising approach is CAR T-cell therapy, which modifies the patient’s own T cells to specifically target and destroy mesothelioma cells.

In a clinical trial, patients who received dendritic cell therapy after chemotherapy showed strong immune responses, highlighting the potential of this innovative treatment.

Protein therapies, such as cytokines, also play a role in mesothelioma immunotherapy:

• Interleukin-2 (IL-2): A cytokine that stimulates the growth and activity of immune cells, particularly T cells and natural killer cells
• Interferon-alpha (IFN-α): A cytokine that enhances the immune response and has shown anti-tumor effects in mesothelioma studies
• Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF): A cytokine that promotes the growth and differentiation of immune cells, improving their ability to fight cancer
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α): A cytokine that can directly kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune response against tumors

These cell and protein therapies offer a targeted approach to mesothelioma treatment, focusing on enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

As research continues, these therapies may become increasingly important in the fight against peritoneal mesothelioma and other forms of this devastating cancer.

The National Cancer Institute and other leading research organizations are actively investigating these innovative approaches, with the goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for mesothelioma patients worldwide.

As more patients are treated with these cutting-edge therapies, the hope is that they will become a standard part of the treatment arsenal, offering new options for those facing advanced mesothelioma and disease progression.

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising first line treatment for mesothelioma patients, offering targeted therapy that harnesses the power of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

While traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy drugs remain important tools in the fight against mesothelioma, cancer immunotherapy is rapidly gaining ground as a more effective and less invasive option for many patients.

Opdivo (Nivolumab) and Yervoy (Ipilimumab)

One of the most successful immunotherapy combinations for mesothelioma is the use of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) together.

These checkpoint inhibitor drugs work by blocking specific proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells, allowing the body’s natural defenses to more effectively target and destroy tumors.

The combination of Opdivo and Yervoy has shown impressive results in clinical trials:

• Improved Survival Rates: Some trials have demonstrated a two-year survival rate of around 40% for advanced mesothelioma patients treated with this combination.
• Longer Life Expectancy: Patients treated with Opdivo and Yervoy have achieved an average survival time of 18.1 months, compared to shorter periods with chemotherapy alone.
• Reduced Tumor Size: Many patients experience significant shrinkage of their tumors when treated with this immunotherapy combination.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients often report improved symptoms and overall well-being while undergoing treatment with Opdivo and Yervoy.

After other therapies failed to control her cancer, Emily turned to Opdivo and Yervoy as a last resort.

The results were remarkable – her tumors shrank, her symptoms improved, and she was able to enjoy an extended period of survival and enhanced quality of life.

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab): A Promising Option

Another checkpoint inhibitor drug showing promise for mesothelioma patients is Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

This immunotherapy agent is typically used as a second-line treatment when cancer recurs or progresses after initial therapies like surgery or chemotherapy.

Keytruda works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively:

• Improved Response Rates: Clinical trials have shown a 22% response rate for mesothelioma patients treated with Keytruda, meaning that nearly a quarter of patients experience tumor shrinkage or stabilization.
• Extended Survival: Some patients treated with Keytruda have achieved long-term survival benefits, with their cancer remaining under control for extended periods.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Many patients report improved symptoms and overall well-being while undergoing treatment with Keytruda.
• Fewer Side Effects: Compared to traditional chemotherapy drugs, Keytruda tends to cause fewer and less severe side effects, making it a more tolerable option for many patients.

After undergoing treatment with this immunotherapy drug, Barbara described it as a “magic bullet” that worked like a charm to control her cancer without causing significant side effects.

As research continues to uncover new ways to harness the power of the immune system against mesothelioma, immunotherapy treatments like Opdivo, Yervoy, and Keytruda are offering renewed hope to patients and their families.

By targeting cancer cells more precisely and activating the body’s natural tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, these innovative therapies are transforming the landscape of mesothelioma treatment and improving outcomes for patients facing this devastating disease.

While immunotherapy offers promising results and fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, it can still cause adverse reactions due to the increased immune response.

Most patients experience mild, temporary side effects, but severe reactions can occur in rare cases, potentially harming tissues or organs.

Early detection and management of these side effects are essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes and quality of life for mesothelioma patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Common Adverse Effects and Management Strategies

Immunotherapy can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, due to the heightened immune response.

Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, coughing, and body aches.

These side effects can be bothersome but are usually manageable with proper care and lifestyle adjustments.

Some of the most common side effects of immunotherapy for mesothelioma include:

• Fatigue: Patients may feel tired or weak, which can be managed by getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and engaging in light exercise when possible.
• Skin Irritation: Rashes, itching, or dryness can occur, and patients should protect their skin from sun exposure, use gentle skincare products, and consult with their healthcare team for appropriate treatments.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea, constipation, and nausea are common, and patients can manage these symptoms by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and using over-the-counter medications as directed by their doctor.
• Respiratory Problems: Coughing and shortness of breath may occur, and patients should report any persistent or worsening symptoms to their healthcare team for proper evaluation and treatment.

While most side effects are mild and temporary, severe reactions can occur in rare cases, such as pneumonia, colitis, hepatitis, hormone gland problems, and kidney issues.

These side effects can cause inflammation and damage to normal cells and organs, requiring prompt medical attention and treatment.

Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of immunotherapy with their specialist and report any concerning symptoms immediately.

Ongoing Research and Emerging Therapies

Researchers continue to investigate new immunotherapy options and combinations to improve the effectiveness and safety of these treatments for mesothelioma patients.

Clinical trials are testing novel approaches, such as personalized treatments based on a patient’s DNA, to minimize damage to healthy tissues and enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

Some of the promising areas of ongoing research and emerging therapies include:

• Combination Therapies: Researchers are exploring the potential of combining immunotherapy with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies, to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
• Novel Immunotherapy Agents: New checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer vaccines are being developed and tested in clinical trials to expand the range of immunotherapy options available to mesothelioma patients.
• Biomarker-Driven Approaches: Identifying specific biomarkers that predict a patient’s response to immunotherapy can help tailor treatments to individual needs and optimize outcomes.
• Adoptive Cell Therapies: Emerging approaches like CAR T-cell therapy, which involves modifying a patient’s immune cells to target cancer cells, are being investigated for their potential in treating mesothelioma.

As research continues to advance, mesothelioma patients and their families can stay informed about the latest developments in immunotherapy and work with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment options based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Participating in clinical trials may provide access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to the growing body of knowledge about immunotherapy for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who need help with their mesothelioma treatment costs after they were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients who have mesothelioma lawsuit claims they are eligible to file.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your mesothelioma lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The mesothelioma lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling toxic tort cases similar to asbestos exposure lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for a mesothelioma lawsuit today.