Malignant mesothelioma is one of the most challenging forms of cancers to treat. Caused by exposure to cancer, the tumors that form in the lining of the peritoneal or pleural cavity are notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and other traditional treatments. Ironically, it is this very resistance that puts mesothelioma high on the list of possible targets for a type of therapy that had previously fallen short of scientific hopes, but which is now being revisited in light of technical improvements.
Pairing Antibodies With Toxic Agents Offers A Potent Mesothelioma Therapy
According to an analysis recently compiled by Reuters news, drug manufacturers around the world are revisiting the notion of combining antibodies that target specific cancers like mesothelioma with highly potent toxic agents. Though the antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs as they are called, had previously failed in clinical testing, improved capabilities in “linker” technology has given rise to new possibilities.
In all, 89 different therapies are currently undergoing human trials taking a closer look at the pairing. Companies including powerhouses such as GlaxoSmithKline and AztraZeneca believe that the protocol will be of particular use in cancers that have defied all other treatments.
Pairing Provides Higher Potency of Drugs Without Damaging Healthy Tissue
The notion of pairing cytotoxins with antibodies offers the hope of targeted delivery for mesothelioma tumors and other hard-to-treat cancers without causing damage to healthy tissue, and the ADCs are engineered to deliver those toxins at a potency that is up to 10,000 times greater than that of the gold standard chemotherapy treatment.
Though previous tests have failed as a result of being deemed either too weak or too harmful, in the last year there have been a record number of ADCs to win approval for further testing. One used to treat breast cancer patients has proven to significantly boost survival. According to researchers, the difference between previous testing and what is being used now is the advancement in technology that connects the antibodies and their toxic partners.
Though malignant mesothelioma is always considered fatal, new treatments are offering the promise of extended survival. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with this rare form of asbestos-related cancer, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you get the treatment and help that you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
