Researchers are constantly searching for new, more effective ways to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma, the rare and deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. While some focus on applying existing protocols in new ways and combinations, others are examining the disease at a cellular level to see if they can find new vulnerabilities. A new Japanese study has found a tumor suppressor gene that is inactivated late in mesothelioma development, and which may represent a new therapeutic strategy.
NF2 Tumor Suppressor Gene is Frequently Found in Mesothelioma
A study published in Frontiers in Toxicology detailed the impact and timing of chromosomal abnormalities in mesothelioma, noting that some occur early in the tumors’ development and some are late. One of the things they focused on in their study was the NF2 tumor suppressor genes that are frequently found in patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. The gene encodes a family of proteins that regulate cytoskeleton and cell signaling.
The study’s authors indicate that the NF2 gene is found to be inactivated in 30% to 40% of all pleural mesothelioma patients and 21% to 35% of all peritoneal mesothelioma patients. They also discovered that this inactivation occurs later in the disease’s tumor development. This suggests two things: That its inactivation may not be related to asbestos exposure and that it may be what makes mesothelioma cells more aggressive than other cancers.
Researchers Suggest Targeting NF2 Gene as Potential Strategy for Mesothelioma Treatment
The researchers suggest that the overall frequency of inactivations of the NF gene and related pathway component genes may have previously been underestimated in mesothelioma, and may be slightly higher than previously reported. Because transduction of NF2 has been found to suppress the proliferation of mesothelioma tumors in the lab, they suggest that future studies should identify the roles of the gene and may lead to the development of new molecular-targeted drugs.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, studies like these offer real hope for a greater understanding of its mechanisms and possible treatments. For more information on these and other innovations, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
