Ongoing Clinical Trials for Recurrent Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
This article provides information about ongoing clinical trials for patients with recurrent malignant pleural mesothelioma. Currently, there is one active trial testing a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for patients who have already received previous treatments for this rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs.
Clinical trial locations
Study of Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib for Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Second and Third Line Treatment
This clinical trial is being conducted in the Netherlands and is testing a combination of two medications for patients whose cancer has progressed after previous treatments. The trial combines pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy given through an infusion, with lenvatinib, a targeted therapy taken as a capsule by mouth.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Progressive disease after 1 or 2 previous treatments (either platinum-based chemotherapy or nivolumab-ipilimumab immunotherapy)
- At least one measurable tumor that can be tracked for changes in size
- Good overall health status with a WHO-ECOG performance status of 0 to 1, meaning the ability to carry out daily activities with minimal limitations
- Adequate organ function, including proper working of the blood, liver, and kidneys
- Controlled blood pressure at or below 150/90 mmHg
- Expected life span of at least 3 months
- Male participants and women of childbearing potential must agree to use contraception
Main exclusion criteria:
- Patients who have never received any prior treatment for their condition
- Vulnerable populations who may require special protection
- Patients with other serious health conditions that could interfere with the study treatment
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- History of another active cancer, unless it was successfully treated and is not currently present
- Current participation in another clinical trial
- Allergic reactions to the study medications
- Recent major surgery or ongoing recovery from surgery
- Certain infections such as HIV or hepatitis
Focus and goal of the trial:
The study aims to evaluate how well the combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib works in treating patients who have already received other treatments for their cancer. The trial will follow participants over time to observe how their cancer responds to this treatment combination. Some patients may receive a placebo for comparison purposes. The goal is to determine whether this combination can effectively shrink or control the cancer and to understand the potential benefits and side effects of using these two medications together.
The treatment is given in cycles, and regular monitoring will be conducted through imaging tests to measure changes in the disease. An optional biopsy may be performed before the third treatment cycle to gather additional information about how the disease is responding to therapy. The study is estimated to conclude by March 2026.
Investigational drugs:
Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. It works by blocking a specific protein called PD-1 on cancer cells, which allows the immune system to better recognize and attack these cells. It is administered as an intravenous infusion and is classified as a monoclonal antibody.
Lenvatinib is a targeted therapy that interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It blocks certain proteins that cancer cells need to grow and spread, particularly proteins involved in the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors. This type of medication is known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Lenvatinib is taken orally in capsule form, with the dosage adjusted based on individual health factors.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial available for patients with recurrent malignant pleural mesothelioma who have already undergone previous treatments. This trial is being conducted in the Netherlands and focuses on testing a combination approach using both immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The study specifically targets patients whose disease has progressed after one or two lines of prior treatment, including either platinum-based chemotherapy or immunotherapy with nivolumab-ipilimumab.
The trial represents an important research effort for patients with this rare and aggressive cancer, offering access to a novel treatment combination that aims to control disease progression. Patients interested in this trial should discuss eligibility criteria with their healthcare providers, particularly regarding previous treatment history, overall health status, and blood pressure control.
