New case studies recently released focus on experimental treatments for mesothelioma
We previously covered the development of pembrolizumab (or Keytruda), a new immunotherapy drug described in a study released earlier this year that was successful in stopping tumor growth in 76 percent of patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The latest studies add more hope to alternative mesothelioma treatments that can be exposed to stop tumor growth and relieve the symptoms associated with the disease.
Alternative mesothelioma treatments?
Alimta, Photodynamic Therapy, and Immunotherapy
The latest studies released this month described several additional new experimental mesothelioma treatments now being evaluated. One is a therapy called Alimta (pemetrexed), a chemotherapy drug that has been shown to be the first treatment that can relieve the symptoms of mesothelioma and increase the patient’s survival rate. Another is photodynamic therapy, which involves administering photosensitive drugs directly into the mesothelial cells, (which will then destroy cancer cells). In addition, immunotherapy improves the body’s ability to fight disease in patients suffering from malignant mesothelioma.
MicroRNA Genetic Treatment
It is perhaps this genetic treatment released by the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse that has patients the most hopeful. Researchers have used the genetic material that accumulates at the site of the proliferating cells and injected them into the tumors to effectively restore their natural growth patterns. After just eight weeks of treatment, the x-rays revealed that tumors had shrunk for those who had participated in the study. Researchers are hopeful that if the mesothelioma treatment works on more patients, it could actually be used to treat a variety of cancers. In addition, there do not appear to be any side effects associated with the mesothelioma treatment.
This research may also have shed light on a commonality that all patients suffering from mesothelioma may share, and thus a potential cause for the condition. They found that all of the patients studied were deficient in genetic material known as microRNA 15 and 16, a family of genes that suppresses the growth of tumors. When they injected a synthetic version of the microRNA into test subjects, the tumors regressed.
Are We Still In Danger of Asbestos Exposure?
The test subject that is the focus of the news story, Bradley Selmon, developed mesothelioma while working as an apprentice plumber 30 years ago. Although awareness is on the rise regarding the dangers of asbestos exposure, there is still some concern about improper disposal that could be exposing the public to the toxic material.
Louisiana Legal Representation
If you have developed mesothelioma, an experienced attorney can help you figure out how you were exposed to asbestos and who should be responsible for your claim. Harrell & Nowak have been working with victims of mesothelioma for years, and our asbestos attorneys have represented many people who have suffered as a result of their exposure.
Call the New Orleans mesothelioma lawyers at Harrell & Nowak to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our staff.