A new immunotherapy drug, Opdivo, just received approval for use against non-small cell lung cancer, which may bring about the ability to use the drug on those suffering from pleural mesothelioma. Opdivo works by slowing and damaging the proteins on cancerous cells that keep the body from being able to attack them. It has already showed an increase in the lifespan of those suffering from lung cancer.
This drug may be granted for use in patients with mesothelioma is the following terms are met first:
- A physician shows that there is no other treatment that may help the patient
- The patient won’t suffer further harm from the treatment
- If the FDA can prove Opdivo is safe for mesothelioma treatment
- That Opdivo won’t interfere with other clinical trials
- That there is a suitable clinical trial set up to test its effectiveness
If Opdivo is approved for mesothelioma treatment, that could be a very positive thing for those suffering from the disease.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of terminal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and, rarely the testicles. It is caused when working with asbestos and the fibers get released into the air. Asbestos has been used in multiple businesses for decades and is still in us today.
It is the responsibility of your employer to protect you from asbestos and if you have mesothelioma because they failed to do so, you may recourse to file a lawsuit. Contact our Baltimore asbestos attorneys at The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP today for help with your suit. Call us at (410) 625-9330.
