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May 2017
The scan results at end of April were a little odd. Although no new growth. There was concerns over the potasium levels and a spot on the kidney. A new blood test was done today 8 May for comparison. They said It might be cancer maybe. All a bit worrying. |
March 2017
The latest Scan results show no change. No new growths .No signs of a return.. |
A brief News Update
January 2017
An update after 208 days since the last drug and CT scans the latest results this week is no progresion no sign of cancer. We have complete response. Thats as good as remission.
30 June 16
We agreed to take the 2 sessions that merc said we had missed. Having done one we attended on 30 th to have the final one. Normally we get bloods done at 8-30 am and see the Doctor around 10 am for drug approval. But this week it was almost 11-30 before we were called in. After the pleasantry s were over we were told that there had been some heated exchanges between Marsden and Merc. Because Merc said they refuse to give permission for the drug. That officially we completed the 2 years trial almost 3 weeks ago. Which was exactly what we said but we were ignored. So after they apologized for dragging us up for the appointment we were allowed to leave. So technically Mavis has finished the trial now. She will be monitored and scanned every 8 weeks. So that's it all done now.
20 June 16
Slight hic cup since last update. We were phoned up at 8.45pm on Wednesday and told Merc wants 2 more sessions to complete trial. I disagree My reckoning is we have attended 54 times and had 52 drugs. Marsden Doctors say we have not but Some staff we spoke to say yes we have. But Mavis doesn't want to jeopardize future treatment so had reluctantly agreed to gave 2 more
19 may 16
Only one more drug day to do. We have just had number 51 of 52. Thats 2 years of Keytruda Trial done. With mesothelioma all gone thats been a worthg while 2 years.
4th April 16
After a meeting with Merc today it was established that I am officially in REMISION. How good is that.
Easter Sunday. Mavis is still doing well. The funny episoders are a thing of the past now. .Only a couple of months left to the end of the trial.
8 March 16
Our 2nd Marsden visit without a PICC line. No Funny Turns all went well.
23 February 16
After 3 months and 2 stays in Hospital todays appointment was a result. No apylactic Shocks. Apart from inserting a canula the drug infusion went well.
17 February 16
Mavis is home today. A little Fragile but I will look after her. She is quite perky. But just needs to settle back into home life after 11 Days in Hospital.
We just hope its sorted now. She will not have a new picc line it only harbours infections. They are happy to continue with the trial as it only has about 4 more sessions to complete the 2 years. So its Watch This Space.
15 February 16
Well Mavis has been in Hospital for a week now and they are still running tests. But she was doing fine yesterday when I visited. I hope for more news later today and hope she will be home on or before thursday.see my posts.
2nd February. 16
She had the new PICC line looked at . We had some worried looks and screwed up faces at the site of it. Black .Bruised. and Dried blood all visivble under the dressing. I was told to vidio it as I must do it at home. They stripped the layers off to reveal a dried up blod soahed PICC. But it was soon cleaned and checked. No problems. Re dressed vidioed and all set for the doctor. But it was decided that the infectious Rash had been almost sorted. So Next week treatment is back on. The recent Scan results show even more shrinkage.
26 Jan 16
We had some issues at the Marsden today. It should have been infusion 43. But Mavis`s reaction to the drug s side effects produced a rash. It has been getting worse recently and no amount of creams stop it. The Doctor was concerned that her imune system is working against itself and stopping rash from healing. So Treatment today for the drug was cancelled.. First time in 18 months. She was given 3 large tubes of a Steroid cream and we plastered it on all over. This morning most of the redness cas calmed down skin colour looks better. So maybe its working. We have an apointment in a weeks time to check it. If its ok we get the drug. If not then maybe she will be taken off the trial. That would be a shame after all this time. Watch this space.
19th Jan 2016
mavis maybe home but is not 100% . She has been sick and queasy and went back to bed. She isnt full of energy. But is still on tablets.
18 January 2016
Mavis is home now after 6 days in Royal Marsden Recovering from an infection in her PICC line. She went into Apylactic Shock during her Last infusion last week. The Line was infected and the flushing was pushing the infection back into her system. Good to have you home. Love Ray XXX
17th November 2015
On this day a new life begins. No longer threat of death overhanging. Our Scan results were all tumours reduced. Many no longer visable. Those that remain shrunk to 1 mm or less. But the important thing is that those that remain NO LONGER Show evidence of mesothelioma.
Its a miracle. Mavis is the current Marsden Queen. Fantastic News.
August 2015.
Its now infusion 32 ,thats 14 months of fortnightly infusions. The results have been amazing. Upto the May scan we reached a staggering 80%. The latest scan for August shows Pasive stability with no shown increase. WE look fwd to next one in November.
May 2015.Latest scan results continued shrinkage. todate 70%+. Amazing.
February 2015
Scan results today are more shrinkage . Some tumors have shrunk so much they cant be seen on screen. Fantastic.
January 2015 Update: Scan results are that we have continued shrinkage. Total to date is over 60%. Long may it continues.
August 2014:- An update: I found further treatment. It is my last chance since chemo is no longer an option. It is an imunatheraphy Phase 1 trial at the Royal Marsden. During the past 8 weeks Ive had 4 sesions. My recent scan results were shrinkage of all tumors in all areas.. How good is that. Watch this space.
November 2015
The November scan results were stunning. Many Tumors no longer visible . Remaining Tumors reduced to 1mm or less. No tumors exhibiting signs of mesothelioma. My God what a result. Discussions today to clarify this. I am not cured of mesothelioma. But I have no symptoms or progression of my cancer. That's good enough as a cure for me. At this stage in my trial. They do not know how long this will last or what will follow on or whether it will return . But after almost 7 years of chemo and trials I can settle for this. Its better than my original 3 months prognosis.
November 12 2014 Update
Since the last update where shrinkage in all areas was made the result for that first scan was 33% A further scan 4 weeks later shewed a further 10% shrinkage. A recent scan 2 weeks ago we were told Even further shrinkage. So until we get the actual result next week we are anticipating a total shrinkage of over 50% on this trial.
April 2014 I have completed 4th line Chemo. My local oncologist has no further treatment to offer so my search is personal. With little or nothing more available I am hunting for a miracle.
Feb 2015 Update. I am on phase 1 Trial at Royal Marsden.You must read my Blog for good News.
23 April 2015
News Release April 19, 2015 Immunotherapy Drug Pembrolizumab Shows Early Promise for Mesothelioma Patients, Penn Medicine Researchers Find PD-1 inhibitor is safe, shrank tumors or stabilized disease in most patients PHILADELPHIA –The PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab, a cancer immunotherapy drug, shrank or halted growth of tumors in 76 percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that arises in the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall, according to a new study from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Patients diagnosed with the disease, which is tied to exposure to asbestos, have a median survival rate of about one year.
Related Links Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania Health System
The findings will be presented on Sunday at the 2015 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, being held in Philadelphia April 18-22.
An international team of scientists from the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom led by Evan W. Alley, MD, PhD, co-director of the Penn Mesothelioma and Pleural Program, found that of 25 patients administered the medication, seven (28 percent) experienced tumor shrinkage and the drug appeared to halt tumor growth in 12 patients (48 percent) . Four patients (16 percent) had disease that progressed, and two patients had not been assessed at the time of analysis. No patients discontinued treatment because of serious drug-related adverse events.
“The 76 percent disease control rate in this set of patients previously treated for malignant pleural mesothelioma is very promising and represents a signal of efficacy in the treatment of this disease,” said Alley. “Our team was also gratified that none of our patients had unexpected side effects, there were no patient deaths related to the treatment, and we managed all adverse events without discontinuing treatment.”
All of the patients in the study had disease that had progressed despite receiving standard or first-line therapy, or were unable to receive such therapy. There are no FDA-approved treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma that has progressed after standard therapy; response rates to second-line chemotherapy are usually less than 10 percent.
Pembrolizumab was approved by the FDA in September 2014 to treat metastatic melanoma. The medication targets programmed cell death protein 1, also known as PD-1. The latter helps regulate the immune system by preventing the activation of T-cells, which belong to a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes that protect the body from infection. This serves to prevent autoimmune diseases, in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissue. But protection from autoimmune disease can mean that there are inadequate T-cells to fight cancer and other diseases. Pembrolizumab is a member of a new class of drugs called the PD-1 inhibitors, which block PD-1, thereby activating the immune system to attack tumors.
“This study has provided an early glimpse of the potential benefits of using pembrolizumab in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma,” said Alley. “More research and trials will be occurring, which we hope will provide further grounds for optimism.”
This study was funded by Merck, which makes the pembrolizumab.
Dr. Alley will present the findings on Sunday, April 19 at the Promising Trials in Immunotherapy session (12:45 p.m.- 2:55 p.m.) at 12:45 pm. ET in Terrace Ballroom I (400 Level), Pennsylvania Convention Center. Session: CT103: Clinical safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: Preliminary results from KEYNOTE-028.
24 February 2015
The best update News in 6 years.. The preliminary scan result today was fantastic. Doctor said at the meeting a visual inspection showed that even more shrinkage . So much so that some tumors have shrunk so much that they are no longer visible. When the radiologist finishes his analysis we will know more detail. Thats in 2 weeks time.
November 12 2014 Update
Since the last update where shrinkage in all areas was made the result for that first scan was 33% A further scan 4 weeks later shewed a further 10% shrinkage. A recent scan 2 weeks ago we were told Even further shrinkage. So until we get the actual result next week we are anticipating a total shrinkage of over 50% on this trial.
Tomorrow the 11th is a big day for us its the end of the 4 drug series and scan results. Good results means we continue with the trial. bad results well thats not worth thinking about.
Welcome to the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF) The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF-UK) is an umbrella organisation representing asbestos victims support groups. The Forum' s main purpose is to work collectively to provide one voice for asbestos victims.
For advice on benefits and compensation and support for sufferers of asbestos disease and their families contact Forum Members
Action Mesothelioma Day Friday 4 July 2014 For full details click here... Latest News... News Archive 3 October 2014
5th Sept 14
More results after repeat scan. Doctor said they are well pleased with Mavis as there is even more shrinkage. They needed to confirm the previous results because they were so good after only 4 treatments. But were pleased to say that even without measuring the resultant shrinkage is visible.
!2th Aug 14.
Yesterday was our definitative appointment at Royal Marsden. This result is the culmination of the past 11 months of searching for treatment after Kent and Canterbury said there is no more treatment to offer. 11 months of pain and despair . The Doctor we saw was all smiles as usual and told us that:-
All mavis tumors have shrunk. That is fantastic News. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.
A Post from:-
Laurie Kazan-Allen Coordinator, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat
Mavis is a lovely and caring individual who is suffering from a deadly disease. Mavis has used her understanding of this disease and her outstanding interpersonal skills to help many others who are in a similar situation.
26th June 2014.
12 June 14
Today Mavis had all the Pre Drug Tests and scans ready to start Next Weeks phase i Drug Trial at the Royal Marsden.
At last things are moving again.. Watch this space
!5 June 14.
We are preppd and ready for tomorrow. First day of new drug trial at Royal Marsden. This has got to work. We are running out of options.
Be positive : it will work I feel it.
16 June 14.
What a day.Royal Marsden messed up big time. We had an 8 hour day instead of a couple of hours. Someone forgot to order the drug So we sat around for 6 hours while they sorted it. Bad Bad start. Now Mavis has gone to bed sick. I think its side effects and a tiring day.
19th June 14
Well today its another adventure. Mavis gives her talk to a forum of Doctors and Oncologists in manchester. i will try to video it for her. A copy of which is requested to be sent to Holland so I better do it right.
16 July 14.
We have had 2 more drug days since last update. This makes 3 in total. There are no significant side afects. Mavis has had the flu like symptoms for a couple of days each time but thats it. She gets very tired which is an affect they do know about. In 2 weeks time we will have the Scan. This will indicate if the drug is working or not. That will decide if we can carry on. We wait with fingers crossed. She seems to be doing well and looks really well. We live in hope. Watch this space.
20th May 14.
A phone call at 6:30 pm ,Mavis`s appointment at Marsden tomorrow has just been cancelled. It is now 4th June. Gutted.
No level of asbestos exposure is safe
Professor Peto studied the patterns of lung cancer and mesothelioma in asbestos workers in the 1970s, looking at how it causes cancer, in whom and when.
In 1978, his research, published in The Lancet and funded by the forefather of Cancer Research UK, would prove to be a game changer in asbestos legislation.
Asbestos – there is no safe level – image from Wikimedia Commons
Spurred on by concerns about the continued occupational use, he began investigating whether there truly was a safe level of asbestos exposure.
Over a decade after the ‘safe’ level was set, Professor Peto began analysing information from the same group of asbestos exposed workers used in the BOHS report.
Professor Peto could also now study the effects of an extra 10 years of exposure to asbestos in that same group of workers. And, importantly, he also included information about men from the same factory who had retired or died – information that was missing from the initial BOHS study.
By including data about those who had died, and their causes of death, he was able to build a more realistic picture of the impact of asbestos on health.
Professor Peto pointed to some other flaws in the original study. One key problem was the way the researchers had predicted the effect of asbestos exposure, by looking at how many workers, who had been exposed to asbestos for 10 years or more, had crackly-sounding lungs.
Professor Peto argued that crackly-sounding lungs, also known as crepitations, may never end up being a sign of mesothelioma or any form of health issue, so they’re not useful for predicting the effects of asbestos.
Professor Peto also pointed out that there was no evidence for a safe level. If the fibres were there at all, they could still be breathed in and potentially cause health problems. His analysis showed that 5-10 per cent of men exposed to asbestos within the ‘safe’ levels for 50 years (a typical working life span) would die of an asbestos-induced disease – a terrifying prospect.
In his paper, Professor Peto suggested three possibilities for what could be done next. Two of them were variations of ‘wait and see what happens over the next 15 years to asbestos workers’. But the third was to use the results of his study to make decisions to improve working conditions, by accepting that there was no safe level of asbestos exposure.
This study, along with other research, led to stricter industrial regulations, and in 1985 the importation and use of blue and brown asbestos (the types of asbestos strongly linked to mesothelioma) were banned. But this came too late to save Kelly’s grandfather.
In the grip of the mesothelioma epidemic Kelly with her mum and nan
Terry worked at the shipyard until 1989. Kelly told us about his time there: “The asbestos came in paper bags that would split, covering him in the powder that he’d then bring home on his overalls.
And when he worked down in the hold of the ships, he and his friends would sit on the bales of asbestos to have their breaks.”
Unfortunately, there are many other families with similar stories. And because mesothelioma is a disease that can take over 40 years to develop, the long and painful legacy of asbestos use is still being felt today.
In the 1990s, Professor Peto was one of the first people to predict that we were heading for an epidemic of mesothelioma.
He warned that people at risk, largely construction and building maintenance workers, should be made aware and take precautions to monitor their health.
We’re still witnessing the full impact of asbestos exposure. Around 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year – around seven every day. That figure is set to rise to a peak by 2020 in the UK .
This means many more families will battle with this disease, as Kelly’s did.
A family’s struggle with mesothelioma When Kelly’s grandfather was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it was too late for him to have any treatment and he died two years later at the age of 75.
Kelly told us about what this meant to her mum. “She was very much a daddy’s girl, and was devastated when granddad died. It was such a strange feeling to know that granddad’s little girl was going to have the same fate as him.”
Kelly’s mum with her grandkids
“Mum was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2012. She had a very painful operation and chemotherapy. She felt really rotten for a week after each of the chemotherapy treatments, but was fortunate enough to not lose her hair. She was so proud cancer didn’t take her hair.”
Chemotherapy held the cancer at bay for a while, but more tumours grew, and radiotherapy and other types of treatments couldn’t hold it back indefinitely.
Kelly’s mother had a CT scan, which showed the cancer had spread to her brain. Kelly said: “That’s the one place I prayed it wouldn’t go. We were told that chemotherapy was no longer an option. So mum had radiotherapy on her brain.
“But then she got really poorly. The doctor came to see us and said that mum wouldn’t be coming home. Our lives just stopped still. We stayed by mum’s side as she hung on to her life for three more days.
“We told her that she didn’t need to fight anymore – that she had been amazing. My brother and I said everything we wanted to say to her and finally, when it was just her and my nan, she passed away.”
“I feel like I have a massive hole inside me. Mum and I were best friends. She was supposed to be there always, to see her grandkids grow up. To see my brother get married and have kids. But I feel blessed in a strange way that I had some time to enjoy life with her after her diagnosis.
“She could have been taken without warning and we may not have had the opportunity to say and do the things we had always wanted to.”
What the future holds Many more families will be afflicted by this disease over the coming years.
Stories like Kelly’s highlight the immense importance of research into the causes of cancer. The legacy of Professor Peto’s research means that in the future fewer people will experience what her family has had to go through.
But the distress and disease caused by asbestos isn’t yet over.
Researchers are still working out the risks posed by asbestos today. Numerous buildings, built before regulations became tighter, still contain asbestos.
And other events such as the 9-11 terrorist attack in New York City created extra exposure on the eastern US seaboard, the impact of which won’t be known for quite some time.
So the case against asbestos isn’t yet closed. There’s much more we can and should do to help patients with mesothelioma now, and those who develop the disease as we ride out the epidemic.
With continued research we hope to make a difference to families like Kelly’s.
Sarah Hazell (senior science communications officer) and Indi Ghangrekar (health information officer)
With special thanks to Kelly and her nan for telling us about their family’s cancer journey.
January 2017
An update after 208 days since the last drug and CT scans the latest results this week is no progresion no sign of cancer. We have complete response. Thats as good as remission.
30 June 16
We agreed to take the 2 sessions that merc said we had missed. Having done one we attended on 30 th to have the final one. Normally we get bloods done at 8-30 am and see the Doctor around 10 am for drug approval. But this week it was almost 11-30 before we were called in. After the pleasantry s were over we were told that there had been some heated exchanges between Marsden and Merc. Because Merc said they refuse to give permission for the drug. That officially we completed the 2 years trial almost 3 weeks ago. Which was exactly what we said but we were ignored. So after they apologized for dragging us up for the appointment we were allowed to leave. So technically Mavis has finished the trial now. She will be monitored and scanned every 8 weeks. So that's it all done now.
20 June 16
Slight hic cup since last update. We were phoned up at 8.45pm on Wednesday and told Merc wants 2 more sessions to complete trial. I disagree My reckoning is we have attended 54 times and had 52 drugs. Marsden Doctors say we have not but Some staff we spoke to say yes we have. But Mavis doesn't want to jeopardize future treatment so had reluctantly agreed to gave 2 more
19 may 16
Only one more drug day to do. We have just had number 51 of 52. Thats 2 years of Keytruda Trial done. With mesothelioma all gone thats been a worthg while 2 years.
4th April 16
After a meeting with Merc today it was established that I am officially in REMISION. How good is that.
Easter Sunday. Mavis is still doing well. The funny episoders are a thing of the past now. .Only a couple of months left to the end of the trial.
8 March 16
Our 2nd Marsden visit without a PICC line. No Funny Turns all went well.
23 February 16
After 3 months and 2 stays in Hospital todays appointment was a result. No apylactic Shocks. Apart from inserting a canula the drug infusion went well.
17 February 16
Mavis is home today. A little Fragile but I will look after her. She is quite perky. But just needs to settle back into home life after 11 Days in Hospital.
We just hope its sorted now. She will not have a new picc line it only harbours infections. They are happy to continue with the trial as it only has about 4 more sessions to complete the 2 years. So its Watch This Space.
15 February 16
Well Mavis has been in Hospital for a week now and they are still running tests. But she was doing fine yesterday when I visited. I hope for more news later today and hope she will be home on or before thursday.see my posts.
2nd February. 16
She had the new PICC line looked at . We had some worried looks and screwed up faces at the site of it. Black .Bruised. and Dried blood all visivble under the dressing. I was told to vidio it as I must do it at home. They stripped the layers off to reveal a dried up blod soahed PICC. But it was soon cleaned and checked. No problems. Re dressed vidioed and all set for the doctor. But it was decided that the infectious Rash had been almost sorted. So Next week treatment is back on. The recent Scan results show even more shrinkage.
26 Jan 16
We had some issues at the Marsden today. It should have been infusion 43. But Mavis`s reaction to the drug s side effects produced a rash. It has been getting worse recently and no amount of creams stop it. The Doctor was concerned that her imune system is working against itself and stopping rash from healing. So Treatment today for the drug was cancelled.. First time in 18 months. She was given 3 large tubes of a Steroid cream and we plastered it on all over. This morning most of the redness cas calmed down skin colour looks better. So maybe its working. We have an apointment in a weeks time to check it. If its ok we get the drug. If not then maybe she will be taken off the trial. That would be a shame after all this time. Watch this space.
19th Jan 2016
mavis maybe home but is not 100% . She has been sick and queasy and went back to bed. She isnt full of energy. But is still on tablets.
18 January 2016
Mavis is home now after 6 days in Royal Marsden Recovering from an infection in her PICC line. She went into Apylactic Shock during her Last infusion last week. The Line was infected and the flushing was pushing the infection back into her system. Good to have you home. Love Ray XXX
17th November 2015
On this day a new life begins. No longer threat of death overhanging. Our Scan results were all tumours reduced. Many no longer visable. Those that remain shrunk to 1 mm or less. But the important thing is that those that remain NO LONGER Show evidence of mesothelioma.
Its a miracle. Mavis is the current Marsden Queen. Fantastic News.
August 2015.
Its now infusion 32 ,thats 14 months of fortnightly infusions. The results have been amazing. Upto the May scan we reached a staggering 80%. The latest scan for August shows Pasive stability with no shown increase. WE look fwd to next one in November.
May 2015.Latest scan results continued shrinkage. todate 70%+. Amazing.
February 2015
Scan results today are more shrinkage . Some tumors have shrunk so much they cant be seen on screen. Fantastic.
January 2015 Update: Scan results are that we have continued shrinkage. Total to date is over 60%. Long may it continues.
August 2014:- An update: I found further treatment. It is my last chance since chemo is no longer an option. It is an imunatheraphy Phase 1 trial at the Royal Marsden. During the past 8 weeks Ive had 4 sesions. My recent scan results were shrinkage of all tumors in all areas.. How good is that. Watch this space.
November 2015
The November scan results were stunning. Many Tumors no longer visible . Remaining Tumors reduced to 1mm or less. No tumors exhibiting signs of mesothelioma. My God what a result. Discussions today to clarify this. I am not cured of mesothelioma. But I have no symptoms or progression of my cancer. That's good enough as a cure for me. At this stage in my trial. They do not know how long this will last or what will follow on or whether it will return . But after almost 7 years of chemo and trials I can settle for this. Its better than my original 3 months prognosis.
November 12 2014 Update
Since the last update where shrinkage in all areas was made the result for that first scan was 33% A further scan 4 weeks later shewed a further 10% shrinkage. A recent scan 2 weeks ago we were told Even further shrinkage. So until we get the actual result next week we are anticipating a total shrinkage of over 50% on this trial.
April 2014 I have completed 4th line Chemo. My local oncologist has no further treatment to offer so my search is personal. With little or nothing more available I am hunting for a miracle.
Feb 2015 Update. I am on phase 1 Trial at Royal Marsden.You must read my Blog for good News.
23 April 2015
News Release April 19, 2015 Immunotherapy Drug Pembrolizumab Shows Early Promise for Mesothelioma Patients, Penn Medicine Researchers Find PD-1 inhibitor is safe, shrank tumors or stabilized disease in most patients PHILADELPHIA –The PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab, a cancer immunotherapy drug, shrank or halted growth of tumors in 76 percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that arises in the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall, according to a new study from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Patients diagnosed with the disease, which is tied to exposure to asbestos, have a median survival rate of about one year.
Related Links Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania Health System
The findings will be presented on Sunday at the 2015 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, being held in Philadelphia April 18-22.
An international team of scientists from the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom led by Evan W. Alley, MD, PhD, co-director of the Penn Mesothelioma and Pleural Program, found that of 25 patients administered the medication, seven (28 percent) experienced tumor shrinkage and the drug appeared to halt tumor growth in 12 patients (48 percent) . Four patients (16 percent) had disease that progressed, and two patients had not been assessed at the time of analysis. No patients discontinued treatment because of serious drug-related adverse events.
“The 76 percent disease control rate in this set of patients previously treated for malignant pleural mesothelioma is very promising and represents a signal of efficacy in the treatment of this disease,” said Alley. “Our team was also gratified that none of our patients had unexpected side effects, there were no patient deaths related to the treatment, and we managed all adverse events without discontinuing treatment.”
All of the patients in the study had disease that had progressed despite receiving standard or first-line therapy, or were unable to receive such therapy. There are no FDA-approved treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma that has progressed after standard therapy; response rates to second-line chemotherapy are usually less than 10 percent.
Pembrolizumab was approved by the FDA in September 2014 to treat metastatic melanoma. The medication targets programmed cell death protein 1, also known as PD-1. The latter helps regulate the immune system by preventing the activation of T-cells, which belong to a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes that protect the body from infection. This serves to prevent autoimmune diseases, in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissue. But protection from autoimmune disease can mean that there are inadequate T-cells to fight cancer and other diseases. Pembrolizumab is a member of a new class of drugs called the PD-1 inhibitors, which block PD-1, thereby activating the immune system to attack tumors.
“This study has provided an early glimpse of the potential benefits of using pembrolizumab in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma,” said Alley. “More research and trials will be occurring, which we hope will provide further grounds for optimism.”
This study was funded by Merck, which makes the pembrolizumab.
Dr. Alley will present the findings on Sunday, April 19 at the Promising Trials in Immunotherapy session (12:45 p.m.- 2:55 p.m.) at 12:45 pm. ET in Terrace Ballroom I (400 Level), Pennsylvania Convention Center. Session: CT103: Clinical safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: Preliminary results from KEYNOTE-028.
24 February 2015
The best update News in 6 years.. The preliminary scan result today was fantastic. Doctor said at the meeting a visual inspection showed that even more shrinkage . So much so that some tumors have shrunk so much that they are no longer visible. When the radiologist finishes his analysis we will know more detail. Thats in 2 weeks time.
November 12 2014 Update
Since the last update where shrinkage in all areas was made the result for that first scan was 33% A further scan 4 weeks later shewed a further 10% shrinkage. A recent scan 2 weeks ago we were told Even further shrinkage. So until we get the actual result next week we are anticipating a total shrinkage of over 50% on this trial.
Tomorrow the 11th is a big day for us its the end of the 4 drug series and scan results. Good results means we continue with the trial. bad results well thats not worth thinking about.
Welcome to the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF) The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF-UK) is an umbrella organisation representing asbestos victims support groups. The Forum' s main purpose is to work collectively to provide one voice for asbestos victims.
For advice on benefits and compensation and support for sufferers of asbestos disease and their families contact Forum Members
Action Mesothelioma Day Friday 4 July 2014 For full details click here... Latest News... News Archive 3 October 2014
5th Sept 14
More results after repeat scan. Doctor said they are well pleased with Mavis as there is even more shrinkage. They needed to confirm the previous results because they were so good after only 4 treatments. But were pleased to say that even without measuring the resultant shrinkage is visible.
!2th Aug 14.
Yesterday was our definitative appointment at Royal Marsden. This result is the culmination of the past 11 months of searching for treatment after Kent and Canterbury said there is no more treatment to offer. 11 months of pain and despair . The Doctor we saw was all smiles as usual and told us that:-
All mavis tumors have shrunk. That is fantastic News. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.
A Post from:-
Laurie Kazan-Allen Coordinator, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat
Mavis is a lovely and caring individual who is suffering from a deadly disease. Mavis has used her understanding of this disease and her outstanding interpersonal skills to help many others who are in a similar situation.
26th June 2014.
12 June 14
Today Mavis had all the Pre Drug Tests and scans ready to start Next Weeks phase i Drug Trial at the Royal Marsden.
At last things are moving again.. Watch this space
!5 June 14.
We are preppd and ready for tomorrow. First day of new drug trial at Royal Marsden. This has got to work. We are running out of options.
Be positive : it will work I feel it.
16 June 14.
What a day.Royal Marsden messed up big time. We had an 8 hour day instead of a couple of hours. Someone forgot to order the drug So we sat around for 6 hours while they sorted it. Bad Bad start. Now Mavis has gone to bed sick. I think its side effects and a tiring day.
19th June 14
Well today its another adventure. Mavis gives her talk to a forum of Doctors and Oncologists in manchester. i will try to video it for her. A copy of which is requested to be sent to Holland so I better do it right.
16 July 14.
We have had 2 more drug days since last update. This makes 3 in total. There are no significant side afects. Mavis has had the flu like symptoms for a couple of days each time but thats it. She gets very tired which is an affect they do know about. In 2 weeks time we will have the Scan. This will indicate if the drug is working or not. That will decide if we can carry on. We wait with fingers crossed. She seems to be doing well and looks really well. We live in hope. Watch this space.
20th May 14.
A phone call at 6:30 pm ,Mavis`s appointment at Marsden tomorrow has just been cancelled. It is now 4th June. Gutted.
No level of asbestos exposure is safe
Professor Peto studied the patterns of lung cancer and mesothelioma in asbestos workers in the 1970s, looking at how it causes cancer, in whom and when.
In 1978, his research, published in The Lancet and funded by the forefather of Cancer Research UK, would prove to be a game changer in asbestos legislation.
Asbestos – there is no safe level – image from Wikimedia Commons
Spurred on by concerns about the continued occupational use, he began investigating whether there truly was a safe level of asbestos exposure.
Over a decade after the ‘safe’ level was set, Professor Peto began analysing information from the same group of asbestos exposed workers used in the BOHS report.
Professor Peto could also now study the effects of an extra 10 years of exposure to asbestos in that same group of workers. And, importantly, he also included information about men from the same factory who had retired or died – information that was missing from the initial BOHS study.
By including data about those who had died, and their causes of death, he was able to build a more realistic picture of the impact of asbestos on health.
Professor Peto pointed to some other flaws in the original study. One key problem was the way the researchers had predicted the effect of asbestos exposure, by looking at how many workers, who had been exposed to asbestos for 10 years or more, had crackly-sounding lungs.
Professor Peto argued that crackly-sounding lungs, also known as crepitations, may never end up being a sign of mesothelioma or any form of health issue, so they’re not useful for predicting the effects of asbestos.
Professor Peto also pointed out that there was no evidence for a safe level. If the fibres were there at all, they could still be breathed in and potentially cause health problems. His analysis showed that 5-10 per cent of men exposed to asbestos within the ‘safe’ levels for 50 years (a typical working life span) would die of an asbestos-induced disease – a terrifying prospect.
In his paper, Professor Peto suggested three possibilities for what could be done next. Two of them were variations of ‘wait and see what happens over the next 15 years to asbestos workers’. But the third was to use the results of his study to make decisions to improve working conditions, by accepting that there was no safe level of asbestos exposure.
This study, along with other research, led to stricter industrial regulations, and in 1985 the importation and use of blue and brown asbestos (the types of asbestos strongly linked to mesothelioma) were banned. But this came too late to save Kelly’s grandfather.
In the grip of the mesothelioma epidemic Kelly with her mum and nan
Terry worked at the shipyard until 1989. Kelly told us about his time there: “The asbestos came in paper bags that would split, covering him in the powder that he’d then bring home on his overalls.
And when he worked down in the hold of the ships, he and his friends would sit on the bales of asbestos to have their breaks.”
Unfortunately, there are many other families with similar stories. And because mesothelioma is a disease that can take over 40 years to develop, the long and painful legacy of asbestos use is still being felt today.
In the 1990s, Professor Peto was one of the first people to predict that we were heading for an epidemic of mesothelioma.
He warned that people at risk, largely construction and building maintenance workers, should be made aware and take precautions to monitor their health.
We’re still witnessing the full impact of asbestos exposure. Around 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year – around seven every day. That figure is set to rise to a peak by 2020 in the UK .
This means many more families will battle with this disease, as Kelly’s did.
A family’s struggle with mesothelioma When Kelly’s grandfather was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it was too late for him to have any treatment and he died two years later at the age of 75.
Kelly told us about what this meant to her mum. “She was very much a daddy’s girl, and was devastated when granddad died. It was such a strange feeling to know that granddad’s little girl was going to have the same fate as him.”
Kelly’s mum with her grandkids
“Mum was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2012. She had a very painful operation and chemotherapy. She felt really rotten for a week after each of the chemotherapy treatments, but was fortunate enough to not lose her hair. She was so proud cancer didn’t take her hair.”
Chemotherapy held the cancer at bay for a while, but more tumours grew, and radiotherapy and other types of treatments couldn’t hold it back indefinitely.
Kelly’s mother had a CT scan, which showed the cancer had spread to her brain. Kelly said: “That’s the one place I prayed it wouldn’t go. We were told that chemotherapy was no longer an option. So mum had radiotherapy on her brain.
“But then she got really poorly. The doctor came to see us and said that mum wouldn’t be coming home. Our lives just stopped still. We stayed by mum’s side as she hung on to her life for three more days.
“We told her that she didn’t need to fight anymore – that she had been amazing. My brother and I said everything we wanted to say to her and finally, when it was just her and my nan, she passed away.”
“I feel like I have a massive hole inside me. Mum and I were best friends. She was supposed to be there always, to see her grandkids grow up. To see my brother get married and have kids. But I feel blessed in a strange way that I had some time to enjoy life with her after her diagnosis.
“She could have been taken without warning and we may not have had the opportunity to say and do the things we had always wanted to.”
What the future holds Many more families will be afflicted by this disease over the coming years.
Stories like Kelly’s highlight the immense importance of research into the causes of cancer. The legacy of Professor Peto’s research means that in the future fewer people will experience what her family has had to go through.
But the distress and disease caused by asbestos isn’t yet over.
Researchers are still working out the risks posed by asbestos today. Numerous buildings, built before regulations became tighter, still contain asbestos.
And other events such as the 9-11 terrorist attack in New York City created extra exposure on the eastern US seaboard, the impact of which won’t be known for quite some time.
So the case against asbestos isn’t yet closed. There’s much more we can and should do to help patients with mesothelioma now, and those who develop the disease as we ride out the epidemic.
With continued research we hope to make a difference to families like Kelly’s.
Sarah Hazell (senior science communications officer) and Indi Ghangrekar (health information officer)
With special thanks to Kelly and her nan for telling us about their family’s cancer journey.