Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Growth Decreased by Cancer Inhibitor
A recently published article in the journal Clinical Cancer Research has demonstrated a potential new strategy involving vascular endothelial growth factors for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor E7080 was tested for efficacy against malignant mesothelioma cells in mice, which were implemented with three different human pleural mesothelioma cell lines. These included MSTO-211H, NCO-H290 and Y-MESO-14.
According to K. Ikuta and colleagues from the University of Tokushima, treatment with E7080 slowed the progression of all three malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines. The mice survived much longer than anticipated, which was largely due to the decreased numbers of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells in the tumor.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. There is no cure and current treatment options only offer relief from symptoms. Most patients are diagnosed when the cancer has already reached the advanced stages of development.
The study found encouragement while evaluating inhibitors of growth factor receptors as a potential therapeutic option for mesothelioma patients. In addition, the inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factors became a particular interest because of their involvement in mesothelioma cell growth.
Experimental treatments and clinical trials are also being carried out around the world in an attempt to find a solidified cure for mesothelioma. Today, progress with mesothelioma treatment is being made thanks to the increased amount of funds and awareness towards the disease.
Continued research on asbestos and related cancers will hopefully provide new insights on curable treatment options for mesothelioma patients.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
