While the lion’s share of research into malignant mesothelioma focuses on treating the rare, asbestos-related disease, some scientists are working to keep it from developing. Fox Chase Cancer Center scientists hope their work will lead to a prophylactic drug that can block tumor formation in asbestos-exposed individuals.
Researchers Target Inflammatory Pathways in Those at Risk for Mesothelioma
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Joseph Testa, PhD, FACMG, led a recent mesothelioma study in which lab animals were exposed to asbestos and then treated with a compound called SC144. The goal was to block key inflammation pathways that trigger tumor growth.
Testa, who is a professor in the facility’s Cancer Prevention and Control research program, explains, “Our hope is that eventually we will find a version of this drug that prevents or slows tumor development to the point that the person will die of something else before they would ever die of mesothelioma.”
Compound Drug May Prevent Mesothelioma Tumors from Forming
The proactive approach to mesothelioma combines SC144, which blocks key inflammation pathways, with two other anti-inflammatory drugs already in use for the treatment of gout and a hereditary form of colon cancer. Testa explains, “We’re trying to inhibit the inflammatory phase of the disease, with the goal of preventing people who are exposed to asbestos over long periods of time from developing mesothelioma.”
This mesothelioma research represents a field of study known as chemoprevention, in which medications are being developed to prevent disease from forming in those who are known to be at risk. If the approach proves successful, the compound could be administered to construction workers, firefighters, and others known to have been exposed to high doses of asbestos. “We’re really excited about this,” Testa said. “Our hope is to try these different versions to see which one works best and which one has the greatest efficacy, resulting in the lowest incidence of tumors, and maybe even prevent the formation of tumors altogether.”
Developments like these offer real hope for those exposed to asbestos, but malignant mesothelioma continues to be a threat to many. For information on the resources available to you, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
