Immunotherapy offers hope for mesothelioma patients

Specialist asbestos disease solicitors from Novum Law recently attended the virtual British Thoracic Oncology Group Conference 2022 (BTOG) to learn about the latest medical developments for the treatment of respiratory conditions, including mesothelioma.

Many of the UK’s leading cancer professionals came together for the annual conference. This was the 20^th event of its kind – an important milestone signifying its importance for everyone involved in the treatment, care, and support of patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers of the chest and lungs.

Healthcare experts provided a packed programme over two days giving delegates the opportunity to learn more and keep up to date with the latest in thoracic cancer research and development.

Sessions included discussions about respiratory medicine and radiology, optimising outcomes in early-stage lung cancer, and a range of talks from cancer experts and the National Cancer Research Institute.

Immunotherapy trials for mesothelioma

While immunotherapy is now a standard treatment for cancers such as melanoma and lung cancer, it is not yet a standard, first-line treatment for mesothelioma.

However, the results of clinical trials are showing very promising results for patients with mesothelioma.

Alison Sayers, specialist asbestos disease solicitor from our Southampton team, who attended BTOG explains:

“Mesothelioma is traditionally treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Until the recent clinical trials, there have been few options available when patients no longer respond to treatment. It is extremely encouraging to hear how immunotherapy clinical trials are showing improved survival rates for some people with mesothelioma.

“It was fascinating to learn more about the CONFIRM study, led by Professor Dean Fennell from the University of Leicester and Professor Gareth Griffiths from the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit based at the University of Southampton’s Centre for Cancer Immunology.

“The research found that patients given the immunotherapy drug Nivolumab showed a 3-4-month survival benefit compared to those given a placebo. The trial also found that Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab resulted in superior survival rates.

“It’s a wonderful result which could give mesothelioma patients more time with their loved ones. The hope now is that it becomes the new standard of care for future mesothelioma patients in the NHS, if the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves it. A decision is expected in April 2022.”

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, Novum Law’s expert asbestos and mesothelioma team is on hand to provide specialist legal advice and support. Call Freephone 0800 884 0777, email info@novumlaw.com or complete our online contact form for a free, no-obligation chat.