Avelumab Shows Promise in Mesothelioma Treatment

Avelumab is an immunotherapy drug that is currently in development for the treatment of NSCLC. A clinical trial involving 2,200 patients – 53 of whom were diagnosed with unresectable peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma tumors – found this medication allowed for a median progression-free period of 17.1 weeks. Existing tumors were shrunk in 10% of patients as well. Phase II trials from this mesothelioma treatment are expected to begin in 2017.

Micrograph of peritoneal mesothelioma.

As with many other immunotherapy drugs, Avelumab works by targeting PD-L1, a protein that prevents the immune system from fighting cancer on its own. Once these proteins are identified, Avelumab is able to expose them to the immune system, allowing the body to prevent the progression of cancer cells. This second-line treatment for pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma may offer hope to men and women who are no longer benefiting from chemotherapy, although it is not currently known when it will be made available for use outside of trial groups.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, but existing treatments can greatly improve quality of life and help slow the progression of this deadly disease. To learn about your treatment options and the legal resources available to help you get compensation for them, please contact The Williams Law Firm online or by calling (855) 955-6376 today. Located in New York City, Joseph Williams fights for the rights of men and women exposed to asbestos throughout the United States.