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A Massachusetts physician has started a clinical trial using a new imaging system that targets peritoneal mesothelioma, which is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. This disease starts in the abdominal cavity lining and can often spread to other parts of the body. Peritoneal mesothelioma differs from pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
There has been research dedicated to this fatal disease, and this latest approach is being spearheaded by a doctor who works at Massachusetts General Hospital. His molecular imaging technology trial using The Lumicell System started in early April. Lumicell is designed to illuminate cancer at its molecular level, which can aid with early detection and help doctors improve their patients’ outcomes.
It is currently being studied for applications to help many types of cancer patients. The doctor’s laboratory is holding the trial to see if Lumicell has an application for peritoneum cancers; if successful, it would identify the tumor cells at the time of surgery and target them for removal. This could reduce the chance of the cancer’s recurrence.
The doctor spent much time developing the cytoreduction/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure. This combination of surgery and chemotherapy was shown to extend peritoneal mesothelioma patient survival times, but the cancer’s recurrence rates were still an issue. HIPEC was able to destroy tumor cells, but patients would then need more aggressive surgeries when the cancer came back.
The Lumicell System uses a handheld imaging device with a fluorescent agent that helps surgeons detect and remove residual cancer cells during surgeries. An earlier clinical trial involved over 200 breast cancer patients that received surgical treatment with Lumicell. The system was able to identify residual tumors that remained after the surgeries. It was also used successfully with breast cancer patients that went through lumpectomies.
The director of the Breast Program at Massachusetts General Hospital stated that a previous study found that Lumicell was able to identify residual cancer cells in real time during surgeries and is enthusiastic about using the system to help patients with peritoneal metastases.
Patients participating in this trial will receive intravenous injections as their surgeries begin. The solution being used is LUM015, and it is designed to be detected by a LUM Imaging medical device. Initial dosages will be monitored for safety and patients will take part in follow-up studies afterward. Lumicell’s molecular imaging technology is also being studied for use in other treatments for gastrointestinal, ovarian, and appendiceal cancers.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease, but you do not have to face it alone. Contact a Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyer at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler for a free case evaluation and compassionate legal guidance. Call us at 215-569-4000 or complete an online form today. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.