TITLE:
Preliminary Findings on the Use of Targeted Therapy in Combination with Sodium Phenylbutyrate in Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Strategy for Improved Survival
AUTHORS:
Stanislaw R. Burzynski, Tomasz J. Janicki, Gregory S. Burzynski, Sheldon Brookman
KEYWORDS:
Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Survival, Personalized Targeted Therapy, Antineoplastons, Sodium Phenylbutyrate, Clinical Studies
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.5 No.12,
October
29,
2014
ABSTRACT: Advanced malignant
mesothelioma (MM) is among the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat diseases.
Industrialization and exposure to asbestos is the main causative factor for the
dramatic increase in the incidence of MM, which carries a poor prognosis and a
median survival of less than 12 months. Combination chemotherapy offers only
palliative results; however, targeted therapy carries more promise for future
successful treatment. This paper presents preliminary findings of improved
overall survival (OS) using a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate (PB) with
various chemotherapeutic and targeted agents in advanced MM. The data suggest
using a strategy of simultaneous interruption of signal transduction involving
RAS-MEK-ERK, PI3K-AKT, mTOR, Merlin, and angiogenesis pathways and interference
in cell cycle and epigenetic processes. Complete response was determined in
15.4% and stable disease in 46.2% in the group of 13 evaluable patients. Median
OS for MM was higher compared to other treatments (17 months compared to
between 6 and 12.1 months). The longest surviving patient continues to be in
complete response and in excellent condition for over 12.5 years from the
treatment start. These findings are only preliminary and validation of the
results using a well-designed phase I/II trial in advanced MM is proposed.