Malignant mesothelioma is aggressive and resistant to most cancer treatments. However, a new drug trial could bring hope to victims. This experimental drug, CA-170, targets an immune system suppressor protein known as VISTA. This trial is the first to target the production of VISTA.
What is VISTA?
Mesothelioma tumors and other cancer cells produce proteins to hide themselves from your body’s immune system. Two of these proteins are VISTA and PD-L1. Over 90 percent of mesothelioma cells contain high amounts of VISTA.
CA-170 lowers the production of both proteins. When the tumors cannot produce the “camouflage” proteins, the immune system can identify them as infectious. Researchers hope this will help your immune system destroy the cancer cells.
What is the extent of this study?
CA-170 cancer treatment studies have been ongoing since 2016. However, this study specifically applies to mesothelioma patients. CA-170 treatments are pills that many patients tolerate well.
Previously, patients received chemotherapy combination treatments of Alimta and cisplatin. They might have also tried the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. These can produce all the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. Many treatments do not significantly extend a patient’s life.
The CA-170 trial began this year. Qualified patients in the U.S. can enroll at the following locations:
- Mount Sinai Hospital in New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit
- MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
CA-170 is one of many treatments available for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, you are not alone. Legal compensation could help you afford the newest and most promising treatments available.
