Summary:
I-MED Radiology at The Wesley Hospital is launching a clinical trial investigating an emerging treatment option for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This procedure, called transarterial chemoperfusion, involves injection of chemotherapeutic agents directly to the arteries that supply pleural mesothelioma tumours. This delivers concentrations of chemotherapy up to 20 times higher than intravenous fusions. This approach has shown promising results in early trials in Germany and the USA, improving disease stability and quality of life. This feasibility study will assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoperfusion, as well as overall survival, progression-free survival and quality of life.
Inclusion criteria:
· Histologically or cytologically confirmed MPM, deemed inoperable or patient refuses surgery;
· Predominant burden of disease lies in an accessible arterial distribution;
· Failure to respond to first line chemotherapy or immunotherapy;
· Measurable disease, by computed tomography (CT);
· ECOG performance status score £2;
· Patient is willing and able to comply with scheduled visits and other requirements of the study;
· Expected survival and availability for follow-up ~12 months or more;
· Patients have private health insurance.
Exclusion criteria:
· Chemotherapy within 4 weeks prior to entering the study;
· Contraindication to cisplatin, methotrexate, gemcitabine or other agents used during the study;
· Involvement in trials with other investigational agents or uncontrolled intercurrent illness.