Malignant pleural mesothelioma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. The cancer’s tumors are uncommon in the way that they grow and take shape: because they adhere to the surface of the mesothelial membranes, they are difficult to remove surgically. They also do not respond well to systemic chemotherapy, leaving doctors with little recourse and patients with little hope. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute believe that an innovative cancer-fighting gel might offer a significant solution.
Mesothelioma Researcher Says Gel May “Change the Treatment Paradigm”
Much like heated chemotherapy delivers cancer-fighting medicine directly to mesothelioma cells that are left behind after surgery, the new cancer-fighting gel can either be sprayed onto the malignant tumors or injected using a syringe. Once applied it adheres to the tumor and delivers a peptide-based surface-fill hydrogel whose tiny messenger RNA particles inhibit mesothelioma cells’ growth.
Testing on laboratory animals delivered astonishing results, with mesothelioma tumors responding almost immediately to the gel. The researchers hope to begin clinical trials on human patients suffering from the rare and aggressive asbestos-related disease soon, saying that it boosts the impact of surgery but could also be used with positive effects on patients who are not eligible for surgical resection of their tumors.
NCI Study Demonstrates Significant Impact on Mesothelioma Tumors
Writing of the gel’s impact, lead study author Poulami Majumder wrote, “With a single application, SFH shows efficacy in four preclinical models of mesothelioma, demonstrating the therapeutic impact of the local application of tumor-specific microRNA, which might change the treatment paradigm for mesothelioma and possibly other surface cancers.” The researchers are working towards bringing the therapy to human patients.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, then you have a long and challenging road ahead of you. For information on the latest treatment protocols and other resources available to you, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
