IMMUNOPEC: Combination of neo-adjuvant Checkpoint Inhibition and Dendritic Cell Therapy (MesoPher) with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in patients with Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This important trial, called IMMUNOPEC, is investigating a new treatment approach for people diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. The study involves giving a combination of treatments before and after surgery. Patients will receive two types of anti-cancer drugs: an existing immunotherapy drug (Nivolumab, which helps your own immune system fight cancer) and a special vaccine called MesoPher. This is followed by surgery to remove the cancer and a heated chemotherapy wash directly inside the tummy (called HIPEC). Researchers want to find out how long patients live without their cancer getting worse and to understand how these treatments affect the body’s immune system.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The IMMUNOPEC study is a Phase II clinical trial, which means it's one of the earlier steps in testing new treatments in people. It's designed to explore a new way to treat peritoneal mesothelioma, a serious cancer that affects the lining of your tummy area. The treatment being tested is a combination of different approaches that aim to tackle the cancer from several angles.
Patients in this study will receive a sequence of treatments. First, they will get a combination of an approved anti-cancer drug (Nivolumab) and a special vaccine (MesoPher). Nivolumab is an immunotherapy, which helps your body's own immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. The MesoPher vaccine is designed to further boost this immune response. This initial treatment is given before surgery (called 'neo-adjuvant'). Afterwards, patients will have surgery to remove as much cancer as possible, followed by heated chemotherapy washed directly into the abdomen (HIPEC). Some patients might continue receiving the immunotherapy and vaccine after surgery ('adjuvant' treatment).
The main thing the researchers want to find out is how long patients live after starting treatment without their cancer growing or spreading. This is called 'progression-free survival.' They will also look at how safe the treatment is, how it affects the body's immune system, and how well the treatment shrinks or controls the cancer according to scans. The information gathered from this study will help doctors understand if this new combination of treatments could be a better option for people with peritoneal mesothelioma in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study combines existing anti-cancer drugs with a special vaccine.
- It's for people with peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Treatment is given before and potentially after surgery with heated chemotherapy.
- The main aim is to see how long patients live without their cancer progressing.
- It's a Phase II study, exploring a new treatment approach.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for the IMMUNOPEC study, you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma. This study is open to both men and women.
All participants must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, meaning older adults may also be eligible if they meet the other study requirements.
Before you can join, the study team will carry out several checks and tests to make sure that the treatment is suitable and safe for you. These checks will ensure that your general health is good enough to undergo the treatments involved.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma?
- Are you generally well enough to undergo surgery and chemotherapy?
- Are you able to attend regular hospital appointments for treatment and check-ups?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive a sequence of different treatments. This will include several doses of the anti-cancer drug Nivolumab and the MesoPher vaccine before your surgery. You will then undergo surgery to remove the cancer, followed by heated chemotherapy directly into your abdomen. After surgery, you may continue to receive additional doses of Nivolumab and the vaccine. The study team will monitor your health closely through various assessments, including blood tests, physical exams, and CT scans to check how you are responding to the treatment and to keep an eye on any side effects. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment and the follow-up schedule, but it involves multiple visits over an extended period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
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Common questions
What is peritoneal mesothelioma?
It's a rare cancer that affects the lining of your abdomen (tummy area).
What is 'neo-adjuvant' treatment?
This means treatment given before your main surgery to help shrink the cancer.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy – it's heated chemotherapy washed directly into your abdomen during surgery.
What is immunotherapy?
It's a type of treatment that helps your body's immune system fight cancer cells.
Will I receive the vaccine and immunotherapy after my surgery too?
Some patients will continue to receive these treatments after surgery, which is called 'adjuvant' treatment.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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