A new treatment path for mesothelioma: Join the Baylor clinical trial
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart — most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. Because symptoms often appear decades after exposure and mimic other illnesses, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. Treatment options are limited, and the disease has a five-year survival rate of less than 10%. However, recent advances in immunotherapy and surgical techniques are offering new hope to patients and families affected by this devastating illness.
While recent advancements in immunotherapy have offered a glimmer of hope, extending three-year survival to 23% for some patients, there remains an urgent need for more effective treatment strategies.
Baylor College of Medicine and Duke University are leading a promising new clinical trial aimed at improving outcomes for patients with resectable mesothelioma. The trial, which already has begun enrolling participants, explores the effectiveness of combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy both before and after surgery.
A new approach to treatment
In this trial, patients are randomly assigned to receive either immunotherapy alone or a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy prior to surgery. After surgery, all participants will continue immunotherapy for one year. The study is enrolling 52 patients across Baylor and Duke, with ongoing evaluations before enrollment, before surgery and throughout follow-up.
“We assess the disease stage and ensure patients are physically fit for treatment,” explained Dr. R. Taylor Ripley, professor of surgery and Meyer-DeBakey Chair in Investigative Research in the David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery at Baylor. “Those with operable disease will be randomized into one of the two groups. They will undergo three cycles of treatment and then have surgery. Post-surgery, they will continue immunotherapy for one year.”
Ripley is leading the trial alongside Dr. Jeff Clarke and Dr. David Harpole from Duke University. The team hopes this innovative treatment combination will improve recurrence-free survival and ultimately lead to the highest survival rates yet seen in mesothelioma care.
A patient’s journey: William Donchig
William Donchig, a participant in the trial, shared his experience with mesothelioma and the decision to join the study.
“I felt good, except my right lung kept filling up with fluid,” Donchig said. “I couldn’t breathe well, and an X-ray confirmed the problem.”
Diagnosed with stage 3 mesothelioma, Donchig underwent three rounds of chemotherapy every few weeks, followed by surgery. He is now receiving immunotherapy every three weeks for one year. This trial represents a critical step forward in mesothelioma research and treatment. Patients with potentially resectable mesothelioma who are interested in participating can call 713-798-5530 to learn more.
By the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery
