Mesothelioma Drug Zolinza Disappoints in Clinical Trials

Following a small study, researchers were hopeful that vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and a treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, would prove beneficial for mesothelioma patients. However, a larger study has found otherwise. Unfortunately, Rolf Stahel, MD, from the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, said another study for a new treatment of mesothelioma, adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to chemotherapy, also yielded disappointing results. Mesothelioma is a rare, fatal cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos. Researchers are determined to find an effective therapy for the deadly disease.