Surgery + Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma
(MPM-PDT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether adding a special light treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT) to surgery can benefit people with epithelioid mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lung lining. Researchers aim to determine if this combination extends patient survival compared to surgery alone. Participants should have mesothelioma confined to one side of the chest and be eligible for surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
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.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is usually well-tolerated by patients with mesothelioma. In past studies, combining PDT with surgery showed potential in improving patient outcomes. Although specific reports of serious side effects are absent, ongoing studies continue to monitor safety.
For radical pleurectomy, studies indicate a low risk of death within 30 days after the procedure, typically around 2.2%, suggesting the procedure is relatively safe in the short term.
Both treatments are being tested together to determine if they can extend the lives of mesothelioma patients. Since this trial is in an early stage, information on long-term safety is limited. However, current evidence suggests that most patients can handle these treatments well.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about combining Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Radical Pleurectomy (RP) for treating mesothelioma because PDT adds a new layer of precision to the treatment. PDT uses a drug called Photofrin that gets activated by light to target and destroy cancer cells specifically, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This approach is different from the standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells. By integrating PDT with surgery, there's potential for improved outcomes and fewer side effects, making it a promising option for patients with this challenging condition.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for mesothelioma?
This trial will compare the outcomes of patients undergoing Radical Pleurectomy (RP) alone with those undergoing RP plus photofrin-based Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Research has shown that combining PDT with surgery may help treat malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a type of cancer. One study found that patients who had both surgery and PDT lived for about 13 to 14 months on average, compared to 10 months for those who only had surgery. PDT uses a drug called Photofrin, which light activates to kill cancer cells. Studies have found that higher doses of Photofrin are more effective at destroying mesothelioma. This treatment appears most effective when the cancer hasn't spread beyond the lungs. Overall, adding PDT to surgery might help patients with this cancer live longer.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Keith Cengel, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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 for a Trial Participant
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
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
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