Despite initial positive signs from its phase 2 counterpart, the phase 3 LUME-Meso trial in malignant pleural mesothelioma did not meet its primary endpoint of progression-free survival. Unlike overall survival which measures total survival time among participants, progression-free survival is a statistic that measures the time elapsed between the beginning of a particular treatment and discovery of new tumor growth.
About the trial:
This was a large randomized trial in which 458 patients with unresectable, epithelioid mesothelioma were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was treated with the combination of nintedanib and standard treatment chemotherapy (pemetrexed (Alimta)/cisplatin), and one with only standard chemotherapy. The median progression-free survival of the group receiving nintedanib plus chemotherapy was 6.8 months compared to 7 months for patients only receiving chemotherapy.
About the treatment:
Nintedanib is an agent that inhibits blood vessel formation (a process known as angiogenesis) by targeting certain cell receptors implicated in the development of mesothelioma.
Unlike chemotherapy, blood vessel formation inhibitors don’t directly work to kill cancer cells. Instead they limit tumor access to blood supplies, thus starving the tumor of nutrients.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to eradicate mesothelioma and end the suffering caused by this cancer. Its programs include the funding of promising, peer-reviewed research; education and patient support; and advocacy to increase federal investment into mesothelioma research.
