Researchers at Merck & Co., Inc., a leading global pharmaceutical company, are seeking patients with advanced pleural mesothelioma cancer to participate in an ongoing clinical trial involving the study of a drug known as Vorinostat (Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid [SAHA]). Vorinostat is a type of histone deacetylase inhibitor that is typically given to patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have not responded positively to other cancer treatments.
The trial will involve administering Vorinostat to one group of patients with advanced pleural mesothelioma, while the second group will receive a placebo drug. Researchers will be tracking the patient’s response for up to 24 weeks. The study, which began in 2005, is estimated to reach completion in January of 2011, with an estimated 660 total participants. Research locations in both Pennsylvania and Texas are actively recruiting at this time.
Patients who receive Vorinostat will receive a 300 milligram b.i.d. capsule twice daily for up to 24 weeks. These patients will have already experienced at least one round of chemotherapy treatment.
Merck & Co., Inc. is looking for patients 18 years of age and older with malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer that has progressed to stage II and beyond. Eligible patients will have already undergone failed rounds of chemotherapy treatment that included pemetrexed and either cisplatin or carboplatin. Patients must also be able to swallow pills and care for themselves, and they must also be able to function on their feet for an extended period of time each day. Mesothelioma cancer patients of both genders are eligible.
Mesothelioma sufferers who are interested in participating should first speak with their doctor and assess their overall health and to determine whether or not the Vorinostat trial complements their current mesothelioma treatment regimen.
According to ClinicalTrials.gov, the identifier for this particular trial is NCT00128102. Those seeking more information about this clinical trial should call 1-800-577-8839.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center encourages patients with advanced malignant mesothelioma to speak with their doctor about this and all clinical trials.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is a trusted Internet resource for asbestos and mesothelioma cancer information, and is accredited by the Health On The Net Foundation as a reliable source of medical information on the web.
