Dr. Schwed studies malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), which is a challenging cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, often linked to asbestos exposure. He investigates new treatment methods that enhance the body's immune response to fight this disease. His notable research includes therapies that utilize antibodies to stimulate the immune system and gene transfer techniques to introduce therapeutic genes directly into the chest area. Through these studies, he aims to find effective strategies to improve patient survival and quality of life.
Key findings
In a study with 13 MPM patients treated with the antibody GC1008, 3 patients maintained stable disease for 3 months, and those who developed new anti-tumor antibodies lived an average of 15 months, compared to 7.5 months for others.
In research on intrapleural adenoviral-mediated Interferon-α2b gene transfer, 7 out of 8 evaluated patients demonstrated an immune response to the cancer, and 5 had stable or reduced tumor sizes, including one patient who experienced significant tumor shrinkage.
Certain flu-like symptoms were reported in patients receiving high doses of the Interferon treatment, indicating that lower doses are better tolerated overall.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Schwed study malignant pleural mesothelioma?
Yes, Dr. Schwed specializes in malignant pleural mesothelioma and examines new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What treatments has Dr. Schwed researched for mesothelioma?
He has researched therapies including the TGFβ-blocking antibody GC1008 and gene transfer techniques using Interferon-α2b.
Is Dr. Schwed's work relevant to patients with lung cancer?
Yes, his research specifically targets malignant pleural mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, and aims to find effective treatment options.
Publications in plain English
Immunological effects of the TGFβ-blocking antibody GC1008 in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients.
2013
Oncoimmunology
Stevenson JP, Kindler HL, Papasavvas E, Sun J, Jacobs-Small M +9 more
Plain English The study investigated the effects of an experimental antibody called GC1008 on patients with a type of lung cancer known as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Thirteen patients received the treatment, and while they did not see major improvements in their tumors, three patients maintained stable disease for three months. Notably, patients who developed new anti-tumor antibodies while on the treatment lived longer—averaging 15 months compared to 7.5 months for others.
Who this helps: This research can benefit patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma by identifying potential markers for better outcomes from treatment.
A trial of intrapleural adenoviral-mediated Interferon-α2b gene transfer for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
2011
American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
Sterman DH, Haas A, Moon E, Recio A, Schwed D +14 more
Plain English This study looked at a new treatment for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer. Researchers tested a therapy that delivers a certain gene (Interferon-α2b) into the chest area of nine patients. They found that while some patients experienced serious flu-like symptoms from high doses, lower doses were better tolerated. Of the eight patients evaluated, seven showed an immune response against the cancer, and five had stable or reduced tumor sizes, including one patient who had significant tumor shrinkage.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma by exploring a promising new treatment option that may enhance their immune response against the cancer.
Emmanouil Papasavvas Jing Sun Daniel F Heitjan Luis J Montaner Steven M Albelda James P Stevenson Hedy L Kindler Mona Jacobs-Small Jennifer Hull Anjana Ranganathan
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
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Publication data from
PubMed
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Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.