FDA Approves Faster, Simpler Solid Tumor Treatment Option, Giving Mesothelioma Patients More Options

In a recent development, the FDA approved a new method of administering a strong immunotherapy drug, offering a more convenient choice for many patients. This new treatment option will significantly improve the daily experience for patients undergoing mesothelioma treatment. For mesothelioma patients, treatment days can feel quite exhausting. Having to wait hours for a drug to be administered can be pretty stressful. The new treatment option will allow patients to receive their treatment in a much shorter time.

The recent approval pertains to a subcutaneous version of the drug pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda Qlex. “Subcutaneous” means that the drug can be administered as a quick injection under the skin instead of through (IV) infusions. IV infusions can take hours. This new treatment option will significantly improve the day-to-day experience for patients undergoing treatment.

How Does Mesothelioma Qualify for This New Treatment Option?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is quite aggressive. Till today, the only known cause of this aggressive illness is asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for mesothelioma. However, the good news is that there are several treatment options, and as you can see, more options are still being introduced. Mesothelioma is classified as a “solid tumor” cancer because it is made up of tumors in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

The above classification is what qualifies mesothelioma for the new approval. The subcutaneous pembrolizumab is approved for solid tumors. Because intravenous pembrolizumab is already being used for certain mesothelioma cases, this new subcutaneous option is now a viable option. Patients eligible for IV pembrolizumab can now choose the faster injection method. Mesothelioma patients can now receive the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab within minutes instead of hours.

The FDA Approval Came After Successful Tests

Whenever a new treatment option is launched, one common question that arises is whether the new option is as effective as the original. Based on the clinical trial the FDA conducted before approving this new treatment method, subcutaneous pembrolizumab is an effective treatment option. The FDA conducted a study in which they used the new treatment method on patients with lung cancer and compared the results to those of the traditional IV infusion.

The findings showed that the new subcutaneous pembrolizumab was just as effective as the IV version of pembrolizumab. Tumor response and survival outcomes were almost the same between the two options. The safety profile was also quite the same. Side effects were in line with what is typically expected from pembrolizumab and other cancer treatments, such as fatigue, nausea, and low white blood cell counts. Notably, infections at the injection site itself were rare (only 2.4% of the patients experienced a reaction) and generally mild. The study actually showed that patients tolerated the new treatment option well, with fewer individuals stopping treatment because of side effects compared to the IV patients.

How the New Treatment Will Improve Mesothelioma Patients’ Quality of Life

The main benefit this new treatment option will offer mesothelioma patients is a significant improvement in quality of life. The new treatment option means;

• Less time in the hospital
• More convenience
• Increased accessibility

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers                                                                       

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.