A Study

In one study at the University of Chicago, 60 pleural mesothelioma patients were treated with Gemzar® alone in three clinical trials, and the positive response rates were 0%, 7%, and 31% (Semin Oncol. 2002 Feb; 29(1): 70–6). In another study, mesothelioma patients treated with Gemzar® plus cisplatin achieved positive responses of 48%. Patients did not undergo surgery in either of these studies.

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of both Gemzar® and ALIMTA®, is currently conducting a clinical trial for pleural mesothelioma patients, who will be treated with a combination of both these drugs. ALIMTA® works by blocking the enzymes necessary for cancer cells to synthesize thymidine and purine. The study will consider the safety and side effects of the Gemzar®/ALIMTA® combination as well as its effects on survival rates, tumor reduction, and quality of life. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the combination of ALIMTA® and cisplatin to treat advanced cases of pleural mesothelioma in which surgery is not an option (see FDA Approves Sales of Mesothelioma Drug ALIMTA®).

For more details about chemotherapy and other mesothelioma treatment choices, see Treatment Options. For information about your legal rights concerning mesothelioma, please feel free to contact us at Brayton Purcell. We have been handling cases involving mesothelioma and asbestos exposure for over 20 years and can provide support, information, and excellent advocacy.