Dr. Kesselheim studies metastatic breast cancer, which is a stage of the disease where the cancer has spread and cannot be removed surgically. His research often involves testing different combinations of chemotherapy drugs to see which works best and looking at how additional medications can boost the immune response in patients undergoing treatment. For example, he has worked on a regimen that includes six chemotherapy drugs and examined how adding medications like levamisole, meant to enhance immune function, may impact patient outcomes. His studies help define what treatments can lead to longer survival and better quality of life for women battling advanced breast cancer, particularly focusing on how younger and older women respond differently.
Key findings
In a study of 30 women with advanced breast cancer, 67% responded to a six-drug chemotherapy regimen, with an average response lasting 40 months and overall survival averaging 39 months.
Premenopausal women had a significantly better response rate of 82% compared to 50% for postmenopausal women when treated with the six-drug regimen.
The use of levamisole was found to be safe at doses up to 358 mg/m2, but it did not improve patient outcomes when added to standard chemotherapy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Kesselheim study metastatic breast cancer?
Yes, Dr. Kesselheim focuses on metastatic breast cancer, exploring effective chemotherapy regimens and immune-boosting treatments.
What treatments has Dr. Kesselheim researched for breast cancer?
He has researched combinations of chemotherapy drugs and the use of levamisole as an immune adjuvant alongside standard chemotherapy.
Is Dr. Kesselheim's work relevant to younger women with breast cancer?
Yes, his research finds particularly positive outcomes for premenopausal women, indicating relevance for younger patients.
Publications in plain English
Prolonged remissions of metastatic breast cancer achieved with a six-drug regimen of relatively low toxicity.
1983
Cancer
Hirshaut Y, Kesselheim H
Plain English This study looked at how a mix of six chemotherapy drugs worked for 30 women with advanced breast cancer that couldn't be surgically removed. The results showed that about 67% of the women responded to treatment, with an average response lasting 40 months and overall survival averaging 39 months. Notably, premenopausal women did better than postmenopausal women, with 82% responding compared to 50%, and some premenopausal women even stayed free of cancer for over 40 months after stopping treatment.
Who this helps: This benefits women with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those who are premenopausal.
Levamisole as an immunoadjuvant: phase I study and application in breast cancer.
1978
Cancer treatment reports
Hirshaut Y, Kesselheim H, Pinsky CM, Braun D, Wanebo HJ +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied the use of a drug called levamisole alongside standard chemotherapy in breast cancer patients to see if it could boost the immune system affected by cancer treatments. They found that levamisole can be safely given at doses up to 358 mg/m2 with mild side effects like nausea, but it did not improve outcomes for patients when added to chemotherapy. These findings matter because they help clarify the limits of using levamisole in this context, ensuring that patients and doctors have clear information about its effectiveness and safety.
Who this helps: This helps patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.