Hopes were raised for patients suffering from mesothelioma when the FDA approved two new immunotherapy drugs to fight non-small cell lung cancer called Keytruda and Opdivo.

Keytruda, generically known as pembrolizumab, is manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co. Opdivo, generically known as nivolumab, is manufactured by Bristoll-Myers Squibb.

Both immunotherapy medications work by targeting specific proteins in the body known as PD-L1 and PD-1. These proteins are known to block a body’s immune system from attacking cancer cells.

The proteins that are targeted by these immunotherapy treatments have been identified in certain types of mesotheliomapatients who have the shortest survival times.

Studies on these new lung cancer medications are currently underway. The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center recently started a phase II trial for Keytruda relating to its effectiveness in treating mesothelioma. A research lab at the Netherlands Cancer Institute also recently began a medical trial on the effectiveness of Opdivo in treating mesothelioma cancer.

Clinical trials have shown Opdivo to be effective in extending the lives of people who have been diagnosed with certain types of lung cancer. Keytruda has also been approved by the FDA to treat certain types of lung cancer.

A trial testing Keytruda on patients with a specific subtype of lung cancer found tumors shrank in 41 percent of patients who were treated with the medication. Based on these results researchers are hopeful that these medications could help patients suffering from mesothelioma.

Both of the medications have been FDA approved to treat other forms of cancer, and Opdivo has had promising results in treating bladder, kidney, and head and neck cancers.

According to cancer researchers, immunotherapy cancer medications work best when combined with other drugs. This process is often referred to as synergy. An example of this synergy is the FDA’s 2014 approval of Opdivo to be used in combination with a skin cancer medication known as Yervoy.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma is a rare but serious form of lung cancer. Approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that forms on the tissues covering the lungs and abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to develop after a victim has been exposed to the toxic fibers.

Research suggests that risks of asbestos increase by as much as 4 percent with each year a person is exposed. Asbestos related diseases include mesothelioma, lung cancer, cancer in the abdomen lining, and cancer in the chest cavity.

Several mesothelioma class action lawsuits have been filed against various companies. Asbestos mesothelioma attorneys are available for potential plaintiffs looking to bring mesothelioma lawsuits.

Whether a mesothelioma lawsuit should be brought is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis with the advice of a legal professional. Successful mesothelioma lawsuits may provide victims with substantial compensation for their injuries and the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure.