Though chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for malignant mesothelioma, its effects are far from guaranteed. In fact, it has only proven helpful in about forty percent of patients. A group of European researchers believes that the genetically triggered loss of a certain protein is the reason behind this frustrating statistic, and their findings may prove helpful in guiding future treatment choices.
BAP1 Loss Linked to Mesothelioma Challenges
BRCA1 associated protein-1, or BAP1, is the protein that mesothelioma researchers from the University Hospital Zurich and University Hospital Frankfurt focused on for their study. Though it is generally a protective protein, it is also vulnerable to a mutation that cuts the amount of protein present. This has made it a key vulnerability for a number of cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers.
The researchers set out to determine whether the same BAP1 mutation that leads to these other cancers might play a role in whether mesothelioma patients respond to chemotherapy treatment. They conducted a retrospective study looking at previously treated mesothelioma patients to determine whether those with the BAP1 mutation had chemoresistance. They found that indeed was the case.
Chemoresistance Found in Every Mesothelioma Patient with BAP1 Loss
In their initial research the team pulled medical records from 28 previously treated malignant pleural mesothelioma patients and found that “mutations or deletions of BAP1 each predicted resistance to chemotherapy.” When they extended their inquiry to other patients as well as to laboratory samples, they found that if cells demonstrated a BAP1 loss then chemotherapy was ineffective. This led them to conclude that when there is less BAP1 present, the cancer cells are protected.
Findings like these can assist physicians as they consider appropriate treatment for patients with mesothelioma. By conducting a test to determine whether a patient has the mutation, they can move on to other protocols that are more likely to offer benefits.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, it is important that you work with a team that can leverage the most state-of-the-art information. For assistance in accessing resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
