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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
Immunotherapy for mesothelioma: a critical review of current clinical trials and future perspectives
Steven G Gray1, Luciano Mutti2
1Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
At the clinical level the role of immunotherapy in cancer is currently at a pivotal point. Therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are being approved at many levels in cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mesothelioma is a rare orphan disease associated with prior exposure to asbestos, with a dismal prognosis. Various clinical trials for checkpoint inhibitors have been conducted in this rare disease, and suggest that such therapies may play a role as a treatment option for a proportion of patients with this cancer. Most recently approved as a salvage therapy in mesothelioma was granted in Japan, regulatory approval for their use in the clinic elsewhere lags. In this article we review the current pertinent clinical trials of immunotherapies in malignant mesothelioma, discuss the current issues that may affect the clinical outcomes of such therapies and further evaluate potential candidate new avenues that may become future targets for immunotherapy in this cancer.
Insights
Immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, shows promise for malignant mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer. While approved in Japan, wider clinical use of these novel cancer treatments is pending further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Immunotherapy, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, is revolutionizing cancer treatment.
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer with poor prognosis, often linked to asbestos exposure.
- Current treatment options for mesothelioma are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical trials of immunotherapies in malignant mesothelioma.
- To discuss challenges impacting immunotherapy outcomes in mesothelioma.
- To explore future immunotherapy targets for mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical trials involving immunotherapies for malignant mesothelioma.
- Analysis of factors influencing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
- Exploration of emerging research and potential therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Checkpoint inhibitor trials in mesothelioma suggest potential efficacy in a subset of patients.
- Regulatory approval for immunotherapy as salvage therapy has been granted in Japan.
- Wider clinical adoption of these immunotherapies in mesothelioma is currently limited.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy represents a promising treatment avenue for malignant mesothelioma.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize immunotherapy use and expand its application.
- Identifying new targets and overcoming treatment challenges will be crucial for advancing mesothelioma care.
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