Mesothelioma research has produced substantial treatment advances in recent years. Checkpoint inhibitor drugs (ICIs) have improved survival and quality of life for many mesothelioma patients. ICIs have also helped at least one patient go from ineligible to eligible for surgery.
Significant mesothelioma treatment advances like ICIs are built upon extensive research. This includes many studies that are considered failures. Drugs often look promising in early tests but fail to deliver in larger studies. Still, even unsuccessful studies provide valuable insights for mesothelioma doctors and researchers. They tell oncologists which treatments to avoid. These studies also point researchers toward more promising therapies.
To shed a bit more light on these unsung but important studies, we’ve compiled the list below. It includes experimental treatments that did not progress to clinical use for mesothelioma. In general, these drugs do not directly help mesothelioma patients. But research into them helped pave the way for key improvements in mesothelioma prognosis.
Cediranib Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Cediranib belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals that help mesothelioma cells and the blood vessels that supply them grow.
- Why it failed: Researchers noted cediranib was very toxic to patients and had only a small effect. They encouraged other scientists to look into different classes of drugs for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2012 study shared the results of cediranib treatment for pleural mesothelioma:
- Median progression-free survival: 1.8 months
- Median overall survival: 4.4 months
Researchers also reported a high rate of serious side effects.
Iressa® (Gefitinib) Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Iressa belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals that help mesothelioma cells grow and spread.
- Why it failed: In early studies, Iressa showed promising activity in killing mesothelioma cells. But in at least one larger study, it did not improve survival.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2005 study shared the results of Iressa treatment for pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma:
- 1-year survival: 32%
- Median overall survival: 6.8 months
The study included 42 patients with pleural mesothelioma and one with peritoneal.
Nexavar® (Sorafenib) Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Nexavar belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals that help mesothelioma cells and the blood vessels that supply them grow.
- Why it failed: According to researchers, Nexavar showed “limited activity” for mesothelioma. They encouraged other scientists to investigate different types of drugs for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2010 study reported the results of Nexavar treatment for mesothelioma:
- Median progression-free survival: 3.6 months
- Median overall survival: 9.7 months
Fatigue was the most commonly reported side effect. Some patients stopped treatment because of other severe side effects.
Ofev® (Nintedanib) Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Ofev belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals that help mesothelioma cells and the blood vessels that supply them grow.
- Why it failed: Experts say Ofev and drugs like it have not significantly improved mesothelioma survival. The most recent trial was suspended mid-study because of a lack of efficacy.
Mesothelioma Study Results
The most recent related study looked at standard chemotherapy with or without Ofev. It found the following median progression-free survival outcomes for mesothelioma:
- Chemotherapy + Ofev: 6.8 months
- Chemotherapy: 7 months
The study authors found no differences in other outcomes, including overall survival and symptom severity.
Sprycel® (Dasatinib) Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Sprycel belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals that help mesothelioma cells and the blood vessels that supply them grow.
- Why it failed: Experts say Sprycel shows “no activity” in treating mesothelioma. It also comes with “unfavorable toxicity.” Researchers did not encourage the study of Sprycel for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2012 study reported the results of Sprycel treatment for mesothelioma:
- Median progression-free survival: 9 weeks
- Median overall survival: 26 weeks
Patients treated with a higher dose of Sprycel also experienced a high rate of serious side effects.
Tarceva® (Erlotinib) Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Tarceva belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals known to help mesothelioma cells grow.
- Why it failed: Early research indicated Tarceva held promise for treating mesothelioma. But researchers found it was not effective in practice. They think mesothelioma cells may not be susceptible to Tarceva.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2007 study reported the results of Tarceva treatment for mesothelioma:
- Median progression-free survival: 2 months
- Median overall survival: 10 months
Study authors said Tarceva’s efficacy in treating mesothelioma was not clinically relevant.
Tomudex® (Raltitrexed) Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Tomudex is a chemotherapy drug. It works similarly to Alimta® (pemetrexed), a standard chemo drug for mesothelioma.
- Why it failed: Data indicates Tomudex works fine for mesothelioma. Experts say it is comparable to Alimta when used alongside cisplatin. But the drug manufacturer never got approval of Tomudex in the United States.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2005 study looked into cisplatin with or without Tomudex for mesothelioma. It found the following median overall survival outcomes:
- Cisplatin: 8.8 months
- Cisplatin + Tomudex: 11.4 months
In a similar trial of pemetrexed, mesothelioma patients lived about 12 months. So Tomudex and pemetrexed have similar efficacy for mesothelioma.
Sutent® Sunitinib Results for Mesothelioma
- Drug description: Sutent belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It interferes with signals that help mesothelioma cells and the blood vessels that supply them grow.
- Why it failed: Early laboratory data indicated Sutent might work well against mesothelioma. But researchers found it did not help patients much, if at all.
Mesothelioma Study Results
A 2011 study reported the results of Sutent for previously untreated mesothelioma:
- Median progression-free survival: 2.7 months
- Median overall survival: 6.7 months
The authors said more research into Sutent treatment on its own is not necessary.
