Trial Information

Official Title: Phase II Study of Neo-adjuvant Pemetrexed (ALIMTA) Plus Cisplatin Followed by Surgery and Radiation Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Summary

Despite the best surgical efforts, complete removal of mesothelioma is possible in approximately 30% of the patients. When surgical removal is complete, chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy is recommended as an effort to improve control over the cancer and survival. This combination of treatments is called TRIMODALITY therapy. Unfortunately, the chances for the tumor coming back after TRIMODALITY therapy remains high. When surgical removal is not complete or not possible, some patients may receive chemo and/or radiation therapy to achieve control over the cancer, but the chances of tumor to growth again remains high and the chances of long term survival remains low. The combination of Pemetrexed (Alimta) with Cisplatin has been approved as one of the standard chemotherapy drug combinations for the treatment in advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, and there is likely a group of patients who may benefit and potentially be cured by this therapy. In an effort to achieve a better chance of complete removal of the cancer and long term survival, the investigators are interested in using this drug combination of Pemetrexed + Cisplatin before surgery and offer radiation therapy after surgery.

Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Overall Contacts:

Andrea Foster
416-946-4501 ext. 5010
Andrea.Foster@Uhn.on.ca

Jennifer Lister, BSc CCRP
Phone: 416-340-4857
Jennifer.Lister@uhn.on.ca