Survival:7.6 months
Toxicity Grade:3
Treatments:Biologic therapy
Drugs: 
Country:Netherlands
City/State/Province:Amsterdam
Hospital:Netherlands Cancer Institute
Journal:Link
Date:5/2005
Description:
Patients: This Phase II study involved 40 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Thirty-four patients were men, and six were women. The median age was 62 years. All but one patient was exposed to asbestos. Twenty-five patients had stage 3 or 4 disease. Twenty patients had received prior chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.

Treatment: The treatment consisted of one biologic agent: thalidomide. Thalidomide is thought to be an anti-angiogenesis agent that helps stop new blood vessels from forming.

Toxicities: Grade 2-3 toxicities included an allergic reaction, neurotoxicity, and constipation.

Results: The median survival was 7.6 months (230 days).

Correspondence: Paul Baas, MD