An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board has recently recommended the continuation of Merck’s VANTAGE 14, a phase III clinical trial studying the experimental use of vorinostat in patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma.
According to their Web site, Merck & Co. Inc. is the second-largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Their researchers have helped find new ways to treat and prevent illness while maintaining a strong dedication to developing animal care products.
The clinical trial is specifically studying patients who have already received treatment involving the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed (also known as the brand name Alimta).
Vorinostat (marketed as ZOLINZA) is an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor made by Merck that is currently being used for treating patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. To date, the efficacy and overall safety of vorinostat for the treatment of cancers such as malignant mesothelioma has not been proven.
mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically develops in the lining of the lungs. The primary cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos and patients often do not experience symptoms until 20 to 50 years after their initial exposure. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
Eric Rubin, Vice President and researcher from Merck Research Laboratories, says, “Advanced malignant mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer. VANTAGE 14 has enrolled more than half of its target of 660 patients, so we look forward to completing enrollment and continuing this important study.”
VINTAGE 14 is still accepting patients for studying. Patients or physicians who would like more information about enrollment in this study can call 1-866-890-6619 (in the U.S.) or 1-888-577-8839 (outside of the U.S.) and mention study 2005_010. The clinical trial can also be accessed through www.merckcancertrials.com and search for NCT00128102.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found though the mesothelioma Center.