In a remarkable breakthrough, UK scientists at Queen Mary University of London have developed a groundbreaking drug called ADI-PEG20 for the treatment of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The drug works by cutting off the tumor’s food supply and is the first of its kind for mesothelioma in two decades. In a recent study, patients who received ADI-PEG20 alongside chemotherapy experienced a quadrupled three-year survival rate and an average survival increase of 1.6 months compared to those who received a placebo. The new drug, funded by Cancer Research UK, offers hope to the thousands of mesothelioma patients in the UK and around the world.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have made a groundbreaking development in the treatment of mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is often caused by asbestos exposure. They have created a new drug called ADI-PEG20, which works by cutting off the tumor’s food supply. This is the first drug of its kind for mesothelioma in 20 years.
In a recent study, patients who received ADI-PEG20 alongside chemotherapy had a remarkable quadrupled three-year survival rate. Additionally, they experienced an average increase in survival of 1.6 months compared to those who received a placebo. These findings offer hope to the thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK.
The study involved 249 patients with pleural mesothelioma and found that those who received ADI-PEG20 and chemotherapy survived for an average of 9.3 months. The drug was well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns reported.
ADI-PEG20 works by depleting arginine levels in the bloodstream, which inhibits the growth of tumor cells. This unique approach, targeting cancer’s metabolism, has not been successfully combined with chemotherapy for mesothelioma in two decades.
The research was funded by Cancer Research UK and has received praise from experts in the field. It is expected that ADI-PEG20 will become a standard treatment option for mesothelioma patients in the future.
The international trial conducted by Queen Mary University included participants from the US, UK, Australia, Italy, and Taiwan. This diverse range of patients adds to the significance and applicability of the study’s results.
Professor Peter Szlosarek, the lead researcher, expressed his excitement about the research and its potential to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. This new drug offers hope to those living with mesothelioma and could significantly improve their chances of survival.
