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Biologic Therapy – Treatment Results – Massachusetts General Hospital
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Description: |
Patients: This Phase I study involved 21 patients with a variety of different solid tumors. Two of the 21 patients had mesothelioma.
Treatment: The treatment consisted of the administration of an extract (Ecteinascidin 743 (ET-743) a cytotoxic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid) from a marine animal called a tunicate (Ecteinascidia turbinate). Toxicity: Grade 3-4 toxicities included hematologic, transaminitis, cardiac, rhabdomyolysis, renal, fatigue and nausea/vomiting. Results: One of the two mesothelioma patients had a 41% reduction by CT scan in the size of disease in the mediastinal lymph nodes and a pulmonary nodule. This patient’s cancer ultimately grew. Overall survival was not discussed. Support: Research support came from PharmaMar S.A. This company markets ET-743. Correspondence: David P. Ryan, MD |