Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Intrapleural BG00001 in Treating Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma or Malignant Pleural Effusions This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center For more information:National Cancer Institute (NCI)   RATIONALE: Using BG00001 to insert the gene for interferon-beta into a person's pleural cavity may improve the body's ability to fight cancer. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of intrapleural BG00001 in treating patients who have malignant pleural mesothelioma or malignantpleural effusions. Condition Treatment or Intervention Cancer  Drug: BG00001  Procedure: gene therapy This is a Phase I test In Phase I clinical trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects. Study Type: Interventional Study Design: Treatment Official Title: Phase I Study of Intrapleural BG00001 in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma or Malignant Pleural Effusions Further Study Details:  OBJECTIVES: Determine the safety and toxicity of intrapleural BG00001 in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma or malignant pleural effusions. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of this drug in these patients. Determine the success of gene transfer/interferon beta gene expression in patients treated with this drug. Determine systemic and intrapleural cytokine responses and cellular and humoral immune response in patients treated with this drug. Determine, preliminarily, tumor response in patients treated with this drug. OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study. Patients receive BG00001 via an intrapleural catheter on day 1. Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of BG00001 until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose at which no more than 1 of 6 patients experiences dose-limiting toxicity. Patients are followed weekly for 1 month, biweekly for 1 month, monthly for 4 months, and then every 6 months for 15 years. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 3-18 patients will be accrued for this study Ages Eligible for Study:  18 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both Ages Eligible for Study:  18 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both Criteria DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: One of the following histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnoses: Malignant pleural mesothelioma Metastatic malignancy to the pleural space Originating from 1 of the following sites: Lung Breast Gastrointestinal organs Genitourinary organs Malignant melanoma Failed prior standard therapy comprising chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy Measurable or evaluable disease Pleural space involved with tumor accessible for pleural catheter insertion No malignant pleural effusions secondary to lymphoma or sarcoma No rapidly re-accumulating, symptomatic pleural effusions after thoracentesis or pleural catheter insertion that require immediate mechanical or chemical pleurodesis No known brain metastases Previously treated brain metastases with no evidence of active growth are allowed Hormone receptor status: Not specified