Malignant mesothelioma has proven resistant to every cancer treatment. Physicians using varying combinations of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy have been able to extend survival for some patients, but have not yet found a way to stop the aggressive cancer from claiming the lives of its victims. Now researchers at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in New York are testing the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the rare, asbestos-related disease.
Photodynamic Therapy Minimizes Adverse Side Effects in Mesothelioma
Photodynamic therapy is a promising modality that has not yet been fully tested on mesothelioma. Discovered a century ago, PDT combines the use of a photosensitizing, cancer-killing drug called Photofrin and a light source: the drug is administered intravenously, where it is absorbed by both cancerous and healthy cells. After it is excreted by most of the healthy cells, a special light is used to activate the cancer-killing function of the drug that’s been left behind.
There are several advantages offered by photodynamic therapy, including its minimal adverse effects, but the most important one for mesothelioma patients is its potential effectiveness. Speaking of its use in treating pleural mesothelioma, Roswell Park’s Director of PDT Clinical Research, Dr. Gal Shafirstein, DSc, MSc, BSc, said, “Once activated, the Photofrin produces a reactive oxygen that prompts individual cancer cells to die. It may also kill the cancer cells by damaging tumor blood vessels and cutting off the supply of nutrients and reducing the chance that cells left behind will grow.”
Roswell Park Cancer Center Investigates Use of Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has been a leader in PDT technology since its research scientist, Dr. Thomas Dougherty, led the development of Photofrin in the 1970s. The drug is the only light-sensitizing drug approved for PDT use in the United States, and is now being tested by Roswell Park scientists for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. It is used most effectively in tumors that have not yet metastasized outside of the lungs: the medication is administered before surgery, and then during surgery, once cancerous tumors have been removed, light is applied to kill any cancerous cells that may be left behind.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, groundbreaking research may hold the key to a longer, healthier life. For more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
