Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking an oral medication that cannot be substituted and must be held for up to ten days, it may be considered an unacceptable risk by the investigator.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination of pemetrexed and platinum analogs for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma?
Research shows that using pemetrexed with platinum drugs like cisplatin or carboplatin can improve survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. In one study, patients treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed lived longer than those treated with cisplatin alone, with survival increasing from 9.3 to 12.1 months.12345
Is chemotherapy with pemetrexed and platinum-based drugs safe for humans?
Pemetrexed, often combined with cisplatin or carboplatin, is generally considered safe for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma, but it can cause side effects like low blood cell counts, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. Patients are advised to take folic acid and vitamin B12 to reduce severe side effects, and corticosteroids to prevent skin rashes.23678
How does the drug pemetrexed differ from other treatments for mesothelioma?
Pemetrexed is unique because it is often used in combination with platinum-based drugs like cisplatin or carboplatin, which can improve survival in mesothelioma patients. It is a key component in chemotherapy regimens and has been shown to be effective both as a single agent and in combination, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of this aggressive cancer.12349
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to find out whether intraperitoneal or intravenous chemotherapy given after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC are effective treatments for people with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Outcomes will be compared by observing intraperitoneal versus intravenous treatments to analyze if one is better than the other.
Research Team
Garrett Nash, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma who've had surgery to remove most of the cancer. They need good liver and kidney function, no severe unrelated medical issues, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and can't have used certain chemotherapies before.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC
Participants undergo cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Treatment
Participants receive either intravenous or intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Intravenous chemotherapy involves 4 to 6 cycles of pemetrexed and cisplatin, while intraperitoneal chemotherapy involves administration through an intraperitoneal port.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Carboplatin
- Cisplatin
- Pemetrexed
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor