Breakthrough results for treatment of asbestos-linked cancer

A pioneering research trial has shown improved survival for people with an aggressive type of cancer.

Mesothelioma covers the outer surface of some of the body's organs, such as the lungs or gut. It is usually linked to asbestos exposure.

The CONFIRM trial found an immunotherapy drug currently used to treat several other types of cancer could give patients more time with their loved ones.

Researchers have published their findings in The Lancet Oncology.

Extending patients’ lives

Mesothelioma is traditionally treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Until now, there have been few options available when patients no longer respond to treatment.

The phase III trial looked at whether the immunotherapy drug nivolumab could prolong patients’ life expectancy by boosting the body’s immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells.

Overall, 332 patients with mesothelioma in either the lung or the abdomen took part. 221 were given nivolumab and 111 received a placebo.

The trial showed patients treated with nivolumab had a 33% reduced risk of their condition worsening and a 31% reduced risk of dying. This was the equivalent of adding three to four months to their life.

It is the first study to show a treatment improved survival in patients whose mesothelioma returned after chemotherapy.

Carol’s story

Carol Wesson was given just a year to live when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2017 after being exposed to asbestos at work. The 73-year-old was offered the chance to be part of the CONFIRM trial in the hope it could buy her more time.

“When I signed up for the trial, I knew there was a chance I could benefit but I also knew I may have been given a placebo. Either way, I wanted to do it to help other people,” she said.

“During the trial, the nurse said to me, ‘There’s something about you Carol, your results are incredible’. The tumour had reduced down to a very small amount and now I am about 90% back to normal. It completely changed my life. It’s kept me alive!”

Significant breakthrough

The trial was led by Professor Gareth Griffiths at the CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, based at the University of Southampton’s Centre for Cancer Immunology, and Professor Dean Fennell at the University of Leicester. It was funded by Cancer Research UK’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

Professor Griffiths said: “This is a fantastic result and we hope that it could become the new standard of care for our future mesothelioma patients in the NHS.”