Editing Clinical Trials (section)

== Executive Summary ==

The mesothelioma clinical trial landscape has transformed dramatically, yet patient participation remains critically low at just 8%—a significant drop from 14% in 2023.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma/ Mesothelioma Overview], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref> This gap exists despite proven survival benefits from trial participation. In January 2026, patients have access to immunotherapy combinations extending median survival beyond 18 months, targeted therapies achieving 32% response rates in previously untreatable disease, and cellular therapies demonstrating unprecedented durability. The FDA approved pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in September 2024 as a new first-line standard, with subcutaneous Keytruda QLEX following in January 2026.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/ Mesothelioma Diagnosis Guide], Danziger & De Llano</ref> VT3989, the first TEAD inhibitor, will advance to Phase III registration trials in the first half of 2026, representing a major milestone for targeted therapy in this disease. For patients and families navigating treatment decisions alongside legal compensation, specialized mesothelioma attorneys can help coordinate both processes simultaneously.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma/ Mesothelioma Overview], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

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! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; font-size:1.1em; text-align:left; border-radius:6px 6px 0 0;" | Key Facts: Mesothelioma Clinical Trials January 2026
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* '''53 actively recruiting''' mesothelioma clinical trials in the United States as of January 2026
* '''8% patient participation rate'''—down from 14% in 2023 despite expanded options
* '''CAR-T cell therapy''' at Memorial Sloan Kettering achieves '''83% one-year survival'''
* '''VT3989 TEAD inhibitor''' advancing to Phase III in H1 2026 with 32% response rate
* '''ISM6331'''—first AI-designed mesothelioma drug—dosed first patient January 22, 2025
* '''Pembrolizumab + chemotherapy''' FDA approved September 2024; median survival 16.9 months
* '''Keytruda QLEX''' (subcutaneous) approved January 11, 2026 for all indications
* '''BNT327/PM8002''' achieves 51.6% overall response rate; 75% in peritoneal mesothelioma
* '''CheckMate 743''' shows 23.2% three-year survival with nivolumab plus ipilimumab
* '''Approximately 3,000 new US cases''' diagnosed annually; 72,779 total cases 1999-2021
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