Phase II of a clinical trial is being held at Columbia University. Researchers are testing the effectiveness of combinations of chemotherapy drugs in mesothelioma patients who have completed no more than one course of chemotherapy. Oxaliplatin and gemcitabine are being tested in conjunction with each other to treat malignant pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.

Oxaliplatin is commonly used in the treatment of colon cancer and gemcitabine is generally used in the treatment of lung, ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancers. Previous studies of the two medications have indicated that combining them correctly could result in successfully controlling the cancer. If this phase of the study goes well, Phase III is set to start in 2010 or 2011.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the New York mesothelioma attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 800-781-3955.