People diagnosed with all types of cancer, including malignant pleural mesothelioma, have been encouraged by reports that a compound found in red wine might help to minimize the impact of the disease, but the discovery has met with several challenges. Initial reports of laboratory success were tempered by word that the compound, known as resveratrol, needed to be administered in high concentration – simply drinking wine would not do the trick. further study revealed that though the molecule effectively kills off cancer cells and prevents tumors from forming, it is excreted too quickly to be of much use. Now a group of researchers from the University of Geneva in Switzerland have found a way around this problem.
Previous studies of resveratrol in treating pleural mesothelioma and other types of lung cancer have met with disappointing results because the compound did not have enough time in the body to reach the lungs. In response, the Swiss scientists devised a new method of administering it via a nasal spray. Not only was it an effective delivery system, but they found that once it was used the compound remained in the lungs long enough and at high enough concentrations to have a significant impact. The resveratrol remained in a concentration 22 times higher than was true with oral resveratrol dosing.
The mice were followed for 26 weeks after being exposed to a carcinogen and being treated with the resveratrol nasal formula. Not only did the mesothelioma-fighting compound remain in the lungs, it was also effective. According to Muriel Cuendet, Associate Professor at the facility said, “We observed a 45% decrease in tumor load per mouse in the treated mice. They developed fewer tumors and of smaller size than untreated mice.”
Though resveratrol holds great promise for the treatment of mesothelioma and other lung cancers, there are also challenges with developing it for use: because the compound is found in nature rather than the creation of a drug company, it holds little commercial appeal. It is hoped that a company will develop it despite this issue.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you need information about other strides being made in its treatment, we can help. Call the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today to learn more. We can be reached at 1-800-692-8608.
