The NERO study (Niraparib Efficacy in Patients With UnResectable MesotheliOma) investigated how well niraparib (brand name Zejula®) works to treat mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
The clinical trial was conducted by researchers at the University of Leicester and the Cancer Research UK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU), with funding from the charity Asthma + Lung UK.
“We have shown for the first time that this kind of drug can improve progression-free survival for mesothelioma,” explained Professor Gareth Griffins, Director of the SCTU. “This gives enormous hope to those patients and their families.”
What Did the NERO Study Show?
The NERO study evaluated whether niraparib could help control mesothelioma after first-line (initial) treatments had failed. The study enrolled 88 patients across 11 hospitals in the UK.
All patients in the study had mesothelioma that had come back or gotten worse after their first round of chemotherapy, and they had no other approved treatments available.
One group received daily oral doses of niraparib, while the other received palliative care but no additional treatment to fight the cancer. The researchers wanted to determine the length of time patients lived before their mesothelioma returned or worsened.
The results were modest but meaningful:
- Patients on niraparib saw a 27% reduction in the risk of cancer progression or death compared to those receiving palliative care.
- On average, niraparib delayed disease progression by 1.5 months, giving patients more time before their cancer advanced.
- Some experienced even longer disease control with niraparib, suggesting that certain groups of patients might benefit more from this drug.
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What Is Niraparib, and How Does It Work?
Niraparib is a PARP inhibitor. It works by targeting Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP), an enzyme involved in repairing damaged cell DNA. By blocking PARP, niraparib prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, causing them to accumulate damage and eventually die.
While niraparib has been used as a maintenance treatment for other forms of cancer, this is the first time it’s been used as a targeted therapy for mesothelioma. Targeted treatment is unique in that it selectively kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
“So far, it’s been almost a miracle in my case,” said one mesothelioma patient who received the drug. “I’ve had 7 really good years and been able to enjoy life almost to the full, so that’s wonderful.”
Patients who received niraparib experienced a progression-free survival of 4.14 months versus 2.76 months for the group that received only standard care.
“Although this increase may seem small, for this group of patients who have very few treatment options and a generally poor prognosis, this is a significant step forward,” added Professor Griffins.
What This Means for Mesothelioma Patients & Families
The NERO study highlights how ongoing mesothelioma research is making a difference for a patient community that often feels overlooked.
This study offers valuable insights into:
- A possible new line of treatment: Currently, there’s no well-established second-line (follow-up) therapy for mesothelioma if the initial treatment fails. Niraparib offers potential for patients who’ve already exhausted all their treatment options.
- Improved disease control: The study showed that niraparib can slow disease progression by an average of 1.5 months, which is a win for a cancer that typically progresses quickly. Some patients experienced far longer disease control.
- Potential for more personalized treatment options: Because some patients benefited far more than others, it may mean that certain genes, types, or cell types of mesothelioma may respond better to this treatment.
- Proof of new impacts for medical care: This is the first time a PARP inhibitor has shown benefit in controlling this disease, proving that mesothelioma may be vulnerable to targeted therapy.
“We really hope this step into more personalized medicine could further help these patients who desperately need better treatment options,” stated Professor Griffins.
Get Access to Top Mesothelioma Treatments
New treatments like niraparib may be the key to helping more mesothelioma patients live longer, even if their cancer has returned despite earlier therapies.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our Patient Advocates are here to support you at every step.
We can help your family:
- Get a second opinion to confirm a diagnosis
- Connect with top mesothelioma doctors
- Find the right clinical trial
- Pursue compensation to help pay for treatment
We understand what you’re going through is difficult, but it’s essential to act quickly. This cancer can be aggressive, so it’s important to find help fast.
Contact us now. We can answer your questions and point you in the right direction — at no cost.
