Today was a big day for immunotherapy news. Two studies we have been following closely have released their final data analyses, plus we learned that Nivolumab was approved in Japan for treatment of unresectable advanced or recurrent pleural mesothelioma.
But let’s start with highly awaited results of the Phase 2 DREAM trial (DuRvalumab with first line chEmotherApy in Mesothelioma). Last time we discussed this trial, only one group of patients was ready to be reported on. Today’s analysis included the entire group of 54 patients.
DREAM final results. N=54, pseudoprogressers classed as PD even if they went on to respond. No new AE signals. Estimate of 65% 1y OS. Looks active and needs a RCT with phase 3 numbers. #mesothelioma #WCLC2018 pic.twitter.com/uGchqQmsGY
— Dr Riyaz Shah (@DrRiyazShah) September 24, 2018
Final data analysis of phase 2 DREAM trial for #mesothelioma combining immunotherapy with chemo, by @perth_meso_dr pic.twitter.com/kdO2298eVY
— Maja Belamaric (@BelamaricMaja) September 24, 2018
DREAM trial met primary endpoint with 57% progression free survival rate at 6 months in #mesothelioma with durvaumab + chemo. Congrats to @perth_meso_dr and her team. Definitely supports doing a randomized trial. #WCLC2018 @curemeso @sloan_kettering
— Marjorie Zauderer (@MGZauderer) September 24, 2018
Next up was the final analysis of Pembrolizumab in previously treated malignant mesotheliomas. Dr. Desai of The University of Chicago presented data from a population of 64 patients.
Desai @UCCancerCenter pembro in prev treated MPM phase 2; FINAL RESULTS. PR22%. No clear cut off for PDL1. #WCLC2018 #mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/8kuSQjnE9K
— Dr Riyaz Shah (@DrRiyazShah) September 24, 2018
The RR by PDL1. Intriguing in sarcomatoid and biphasic pic.twitter.com/TNoAcA4Alp
— Dr Riyaz Shah (@DrRiyazShah) September 24, 2018
As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, the entire session was kicked off with a presentation about the MERIT trial from Japan which studied the immune agent Nivolumab in 34 patients. The study’s overall response rate of just north of 29%, was a strong indication of activity that on August 21, 2018, the agent was approved in Japan for treatment of unresectable advanced or recurrent mesothelioma which has progressed after chemotherapy.
MERIT trial; Nivolumab in Japanese MPM pts #WCLC2018 #Mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/MG3w3SWEM3
— Dr Riyaz Shah (@DrRiyazShah) September 24, 2018
Conclusions; Japan has approved nivolumab in MPM pic.twitter.com/Zdo9CtTuAc
— Dr Riyaz Shah (@DrRiyazShah) September 24, 2018
The results from today’s presentations were positive and promising, but we wish to caution our patient community from comparing trials and reading into the results without the full context. For any questions about clinical trial eligibility or about any of the above-mentioned results, please contact our on-staff nurse practitioner and executive director of the Foundation, Mary Hesdorffer, NP.
