Because malignant mesothelioma has proven to be so resistant to traditional cancer treatments, researchers spend a significant amount of time searching for what makes the rare form of cancer’s cells respond differently from others. A recent study by European researchers identified a new way to improve the impact of chemotherapy in killing mesothelioma tumor cells.
Altering Eosinophils Found to Improve Chemotherapy’s Effect on Mesothelioma Cells
Previously conducted studies have found that the number of eosinophils found in a mesothelioma patient’s bloodstream has a direct correlation with overall survival and response to standard chemotherapy. Eosinophils are white blood cells that become active in response to allergic reactions, infections, and other medical conditions.
Because eosinophils do not penetrate mesothelioma tumors, the researchers theorized that the response was generated by the endocrine system and set out to determine whether changes in eosinophil-associated factors might improve mesothelioma cell response to chemotherapy.
Study Provides New Potential for Intervention in Mesothelioma Treatment
The researchers exposed malignant mesothelioma cells to a solution containing eosinophils and cisplatin and pemetrexed and found that the solution inhibited cell death. After analysis of the molecular makeup of the eosinophils, the researchers isolated and tested different molecules in the cells and found that the Charcot-Leyden Crystal protein (CLC-P/Gal10) had the same effect by itself. They then pretreated eosinophils with an antibody that impacts the protein and found the effectiveness of the chemotherapy treatment was restored.
In their conclusion, the researchers wrote, “There is concordance between evidence obtained in cell cultures, mouse models, and clinical datasets that support the detrimental role of eosinophils in mesothelioma and particularly their CLC-P/Gal10 content. A strategy aimed at reducing the eosinophil counts just prior to chemotherapy is therefore predicted to provide a clinical benefit to patients with mesothelioma.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, this study offers real hope for improved treatment in the future. For information on the resources available to you, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
