Stem Cells and Malignant Mesothelioma: An In-Depth Look
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP This page has been fact-checked by a Doctor of nursing practice specializing in Oncology and has experience working with mesothelioma patients.
Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article. We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.
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Stem cells and malignant mesothelioma is a prominent new area of research for this rare and aggressive cancer. Recent research has shown a connection between cancer growth stem cells in tumors. Researchers hope to use these cancer stem cells to develop new treatments.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are a cell type present in the human body that can become any other cell type. These unique cells are almost a blank template or the building blocks upon which all other cell types can be written.[1]
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Cancer Stem Cells
Cancer stem cells (sometimes referred to as “CSCs”) are a special type of stem cell found in some forms of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma.
Like all stem cells, CSCs have the potential to become various other cell types; however, the types of cells CSCs can become limited in a grim way.
CSCs can become any type of tumor-specific cell in the human body. Just as healthy stem cells from bone marrow can develop into healthy skin or muscle tissue, CSCs can become any cell type contained in a tumor.[2]
The Role of CSCs in Relapse Post-Treatment
Recent results from Swiss researchers in the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at University Hospital Berne were published in the International Journal of Oncology. These findings suggest CSCs may play a role in the recurrence of cancer after treatment.
Some tumors thought to be completely eradicated with chemotherapy or surgery often return after completion of treatment. Researchers believe this may be due to CSCs remaining in the body even after the tumor itself has been eliminated.[3]
The Other Side of the Coin: Systemic Stem Cells as a Treatment Option?
Although CSCs can turn a remission upside down, research shows innovative stem cell treatment could be promising for cancer patients.
For example, a recent study by British researchers at University College London indicates that systemic treatment with stem cells programmed to cause apoptosis or cell death could effectively eradicate mesothelioma tumors.
By targeting and destroying the tumor cells, the stem cells can “clear up” the cancerous cells without causing damage to surrounding healthy cells.[4]
Attacking Mesothelioma Stem Cells
With the stem cell theory of cancer in mind, some researchers are developing new treatments to specifically target the stem cells responsible for tumor growth. One drug designed to attack mesothelioma stem cells made it into clinical trials. Unfortunately, the trial was halted because the drug did not seem to be working.
The drug, called defactinib, showed promising results in phase I clinical trials; however, phase II, which involved more participants, was not as successful. Patients tolerated the drug well, but efficacy was low in the 372 patients involved.
Results for patients receiving the drug were no better than those receiving a placebo.[5] The trial was stopped due to these disappointing results.
Because this one drug did not kill mesothelioma stem cells does mean the end of this line of research. More drugs are being developed and tested. Defactinib may be tested again in combination with different chemotherapy drugs.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment
Another type of stem cell treatment under study for mesothelioma is called mesenchymal stem cell treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells are stem cells that were discovered in the stroma, which is connective tissue found throughout the body.
These cells can differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle cells. They also may have the ability to moderate the immune system. Exactly how they work is still not completely understood. Researchers are investigating how these stem cells could be used to treat a range of diseases.
At the Pacific Mesothelioma Center, researchers are using mesenchymal stem cells to develop new treatments for mesothelioma.
These stem cells are being tested as vectors for delivering drugs to tumors and for use as supplements to immunotherapy treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells may enhance the body’s immune system to help it target and kill cancer cells.
Stem Cell Vaccines
Led by researchers at Stanford University, a group has developed a type of vaccine against cancer that shows promise in lab animals. They injected mice with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) that matched each individual’s genetics.
The iPS cells are similar to cancer cells and act like a vaccine, stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack any cancer cells that develop. They next injected the mice with cancer cells, including mesothelioma cells. The vaccine prevented cancer formation in the mice.
The researchers are trying other cancer types and using the iPS cells as treatment for existing cancer. They hope to move into human clinical trials soon.[6]
Implications for the Future
Although recent research findings for therapeutic usage of systemically-delivered stem cells show promise, these findings are only preliminary. More research is necessary to determine the validity and efficacy of the initial findings.
However, if further trials prove successful, stem cell therapy could provide novel treatment options. These innovative treatment methods could prove more effective, increasing overall quality and length of life for patients.
Can I Opt for Stem Cell Treatment of My Mesothelioma?
Stem cell therapy is not currently offered as part of standard therapy but might be an option in a clinical trial. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and is interested in exploring the possibilities of stem cell treatment, talk to your doctor about clinical trials.
While treatments offered by clinical trials are limited to those who qualify, you may be able to participate. Several trials are studying the effects of stem cell treatment for mesothelioma in human subjects. Speak with your physician to find out which studies may be right for you.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP
Anne Courtney has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has years of oncology experience working with patients with malignant mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancer. Dr. Courtney currently works at University of Texas LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.