Surgery + Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma
(MPM-PDT Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must wait at least 30 days after your last chemotherapy treatment before participating.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Surgery + Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma?
Research shows that combining surgery with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma can lead to encouraging survival results, with some patients experiencing prolonged remission and improved quality of life. Studies indicate that patients with early-stage disease who received this combination treatment had a median survival of up to 21 months, suggesting potential benefits of this approach.12345
Is the combination of surgery and photodynamic therapy safe for treating mesothelioma?
The combination of surgery and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma has shown some safety concerns, including a serious complication called esophagopleural fistula (an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the pleural cavity) in some patients. Postoperative complications were noted in more than 50% of patients, with two deaths reported due to these complications.24567
How is the treatment of surgery combined with photodynamic therapy unique for mesothelioma?
This treatment is unique because it combines surgery with photodynamic therapy (PDT), a light-based treatment that not only targets cancer cells but also stimulates the immune system to fight the tumor. This approach allows for less drastic surgery and has shown promising results in improving survival rates for patients with mesothelioma.12589
What is the purpose of this trial?
A randomized Phase II trial to test whether the addition of intraoperative Photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy to radical pleurectomy and post-operative chemo.improves OS in the treatment of patients with epithelioid MPM. Subjects assigned to the PDT arm will be given the photosensitizer prior to surgery . All subjects will receive maximal surgical debulking. Subjects in the PDT arm will receive intraoperative treatment using real-time, isotropic light dosimetry.
Research Team
Keith Cengel, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults with epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma who can undergo complete tumor removal. They must have an ECOG performance status of 0-1, indicating they are fully active or restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light nature. Prior treatments like surgery, gene therapy, or chemo are okay if it's been over 30 days since the last treatment.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Surgery and Treatment
Participants undergo radical pleurectomy with or without intraoperative Photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy, followed by post-operative chemotherapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Chemotherapy
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Radical Pleurectomy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Lead Sponsor
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor