Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma

Immunotherapy is a promising approach in the fight against cancer, including mesothelioma. It taps into the body’s immune system to combat cancer cells effectively. Patients with mesothelioma who have undergone immunotherapy have reported an improved quality of life, extended life expectancy, and milder side effects. Notably, certain immunotherapy treatments have gained approval for mesothelioma treatment.

Mesothelioma immunotherapy involves leveraging the patient’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Among the various approaches to immunotherapy are immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have become a standard mesothelioma treatment. Researchers have explored different forms of immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines, CAR T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and oncolytic viruses. Of these, immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated significant progress. These innovative drugs have extended survival rates and enhanced the quality of life for select mesothelioma patients, often with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Key Facts About Mesothelioma Immunotherapy

1. Immune System Empowerment: Immunotherapy mobilizes the immune system to redirect it toward targeting cancerous cells.
2. Approved Treatment: One specific immunotherapy treatment, the combination of Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Yervoy® (ipilimumab), has received approval for mesothelioma treatment, particularly for inoperable pleural mesothelioma.
3. Tolerable Side Effects: Immunotherapy may be accompanied by more manageable side effects, offering patients a more comfortable treatment experience compared to traditional therapies.

FDA-Approved Mesothelioma Immunotherapy

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval to certain immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma, while others have received approval for treating tumors with characteristics commonly found in mesothelioma cases. The FDA-approved immunotherapies for mesothelioma include:

1. Opdivo® + Yervoy®: Opdivo has received FDA approval for managing inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma when administered alongside Yervoy (ipilimumab). In clinical trials, this combination demonstrated enhanced overall survival rates compared to chemotherapy, with study patients experiencing a median survival of 18.1 months.
2. Keytruda®: Although Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is not specifically approved for mesothelioma, it has received approval for treating tumors categorized as “tumor mutational burden-high” (TMB-H). If a mesothelioma patient’s tumor falls into this category, doctors may prescribe Keytruda as a treatment option, with a study reporting a median overall survival of 18 months.

Mesothelioma Immunotherapy & Multimodal Treatments

Medical professionals are increasingly incorporating immunotherapy into multimodal treatment plans, which combine two or more therapies into a comprehensive approach. This allows patients to benefit from a synergistic combination of cancer-fighting treatments simultaneously. Multimodal treatments have gained recognition as a leading strategy for pleural mesothelioma, supported by published studies reporting a median survival of 39 months. Researchers are also exploring the potential of using immunotherapy before or after chemotherapy, with some promising preliminary results.

The future may witness further advancements in extending survival rates through the use of immunotherapy combinations.

Eligibility for Immunotherapy

The combination of Opdivo and Yervoy stands as the exclusive FDA-approved immunotherapy for mesothelioma. Individuals with mesothelioma who are not candidates for surgery may meet the criteria for this immunotherapy option. However, eligibility may vary depending on individual factors. As such, it is crucial for interested patients to engage in a discussion about immunotherapy with a qualified specialist. Experienced mesothelioma doctors can provide guidance on eligibility and help patients assess the potential benefits and risks associated with this innovative treatment approach.