2012-11-10

Land mouse cells Ability Inhibitory Development of Cancer

merdeka.com
New cell cultures of two species of blind moles, Spalax judaei and Spalax Golani, known to make mice resistant to tumor ground.

Scientists from the University of Rochester in New York showed that the blind mole cells have evolved so as to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumor cells.

While 23 percent of people die from cancer, moles blind can actually live up to 21 years without any disease. Though these animals only live underground in the dark, food shortages, many pathogens, and low oxygen levels. Even so the molecules in their bodies adapt and provide resistance to the situation.

Land of the blind mouse cells do not divide more rapidly than the cells of other species but to the point when the cells die en masse in the cell together. It is still being studied by scientists.

"This is something we have to find out. Currently, scientists are looking for ways to keep the cells alive blind mole in the lab," said Jerry Shay studying the mechanism of cellular aging at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, as reported by Scitechdaily (06/11).

Even now scientists are still learning, but researchers believe that the mechanism of cell death that causes mass blind mole longevity. This mechanism can also be used to clean the cells pre-cancer in humans and prevent the growth of harmful tumors.
merdeka.com
New cell cultures of two species of blind moles, Spalax judaei and Spalax Golani, known to make mice resistant to tumor ground.

Scientists from the University of Rochester in New York showed that the blind mole cells have evolved so as to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumor cells.

While 23 percent of people die from cancer, moles blind can actually live up to 21 years without any disease. Though these animals only live underground in the dark, food shortages, many pathogens, and low oxygen levels. Even so the molecules in their bodies adapt and provide resistance to the situation.

Land of the blind mouse cells do not divide more rapidly than the cells of other species but to the point when the cells die en masse in the cell together. It is still being studied by scientists.

"This is something we have to find out. Currently, scientists are looking for ways to keep the cells alive blind mole in the lab," said Jerry Shay studying the mechanism of cellular aging at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, as reported by Scitechdaily (06/11).

Even now scientists are still learning, but researchers believe that the mechanism of cell death that causes mass blind mole longevity. This mechanism can also be used to clean the cells pre-cancer in humans and prevent the growth of harmful tumors.

Family Supportive Extend Life of Women with Cancer


shutterstock.com
A woman with breast cancer will survive longer if their marriage is unhappy or has a close relationship with friends and family. It was delivered by researchers from the United States.

As reported by the Daily Mail (09/11), researchers said that a strong bond with your partner, friend, mother, or sister is very important for women with breast cancer to fight the disease.

Conversely, do not have families and loved ones are supportive makes women with breast cancer die within three years after diagnosis.

The researchers believe the emotional support to help her through tough times. For example, by way of offering assistance led to the hospital or simply cooking food does increase the chance of extending the patient's age.

In addition, the researchers did not mention the number of supportive family and friends who must have women with breast cancer. The most important thing is the quality of the relationship.

"Through research, we found a woman who has a low social relations with other people are more at risk to die from breast cancer," said lead researcher Dr. Candyce Kroenke of Kaiser Permanente in California.

The risk of women dying from breast cancer if you do not have a supportive family support is quite high, amounting to 61 percent.

Researchers then suggested that women with breast cancer improve the quality of their relationships with family and friends. It was considered more useful than expanding the number of acquaintances.

shutterstock.com
A woman with breast cancer will survive longer if their marriage is unhappy or has a close relationship with friends and family. It was delivered by researchers from the United States.

As reported by the Daily Mail (09/11), researchers said that a strong bond with your partner, friend, mother, or sister is very important for women with breast cancer to fight the disease.

Conversely, do not have families and loved ones are supportive makes women with breast cancer die within three years after diagnosis.

The researchers believe the emotional support to help her through tough times. For example, by way of offering assistance led to the hospital or simply cooking food does increase the chance of extending the patient's age.

In addition, the researchers did not mention the number of supportive family and friends who must have women with breast cancer. The most important thing is the quality of the relationship.

"Through research, we found a woman who has a low social relations with other people are more at risk to die from breast cancer," said lead researcher Dr. Candyce Kroenke of Kaiser Permanente in California.

The risk of women dying from breast cancer if you do not have a supportive family support is quite high, amounting to 61 percent.

Researchers then suggested that women with breast cancer improve the quality of their relationships with family and friends. It was considered more useful than expanding the number of acquaintances.

2012-01-25

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Issues Statement on 2012 U.S. Geological Survey Report

The following statement was issued today by Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, regarding the 2012 United States Geological Survey report about the dramatic increase in asbestos importation to the United States:


"As a Mesothelioma widow and asbestos awareness advocate, I was appalled and shocked to discover today that the 2012 United States Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries reported asbestos consumption from January through July of 2011 to be 1,100 metric tons; however, when comparing a previous report from January through July of 2010, asbestos consumption was reported to be 820 metric tons. This difference of 280 metric tons represents a 25% increase in consumption. For more than three decades, asbestos has been a known human carcinogen, yet occupational and environmental exposure continues throughout the United States. 

The World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and United States Surgeon General all agree - there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The EPA estimates that "3,000 different types of commercial products contain some amount of asbestos, and their use ranges from paper products and brake linings to floor tiles and thermal insulation." 

The asbestos industry has argued for years that importation and exposure was decreasing; however, we have discovered today that their argument simply isn't true. As the USGS asbestos report cited, "Roofing products were estimated to account for about 60% of U.S. consumption; the chloralkali industry about 35%; and unknown applications, 5%. All the asbestos used in the United States was chrysotile." More than 10,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-caused diseases such as Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, and Lung Cancer. 

On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I am calling on Congress and the President to immediately prohibit the importation of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products from crossing our borders to protect public health. I have lost my husband Alan to Mesothelioma, a disease caused from asbestos exposure. Nothing can bring him or the hundreds of thousands of other victims back to life, but we can begin by aggressively preventing exposure thus eliminating deadly diseases." 

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community.

Source: asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
The following statement was issued today by Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, regarding the 2012 United States Geological Survey report about the dramatic increase in asbestos importation to the United States:


"As a Mesothelioma widow and asbestos awareness advocate, I was appalled and shocked to discover today that the 2012 United States Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries reported asbestos consumption from January through July of 2011 to be 1,100 metric tons; however, when comparing a previous report from January through July of 2010, asbestos consumption was reported to be 820 metric tons. This difference of 280 metric tons represents a 25% increase in consumption. For more than three decades, asbestos has been a known human carcinogen, yet occupational and environmental exposure continues throughout the United States. 

The World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and United States Surgeon General all agree - there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The EPA estimates that "3,000 different types of commercial products contain some amount of asbestos, and their use ranges from paper products and brake linings to floor tiles and thermal insulation." 

The asbestos industry has argued for years that importation and exposure was decreasing; however, we have discovered today that their argument simply isn't true. As the USGS asbestos report cited, "Roofing products were estimated to account for about 60% of U.S. consumption; the chloralkali industry about 35%; and unknown applications, 5%. All the asbestos used in the United States was chrysotile." More than 10,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-caused diseases such as Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, and Lung Cancer. 

On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I am calling on Congress and the President to immediately prohibit the importation of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products from crossing our borders to protect public health. I have lost my husband Alan to Mesothelioma, a disease caused from asbestos exposure. Nothing can bring him or the hundreds of thousands of other victims back to life, but we can begin by aggressively preventing exposure thus eliminating deadly diseases." 

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community.

Source: asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

More Mesothelioma Patients Seeking Second Opinions

More mesothelioma patients are seeking second opinions from doctors, which can lead to significant differences in how the cancer is treated.

Although mesothelioma can be detected with the right tests, some doctors can easily mistakenly diagnose the disease as lung cancer, or as something else completely. The mistake is simple to make, especially with a rare cancer such as mesothelioma.

Both cancers have some of the same symptoms. Patients can experience dry cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Doctors have been known to misread slides and test results. Sometimes they may not be able to see all the possibilities and overlook key evidence. That’s why it’s important to share your medical and occupational history with the doctor, especially if you think that you were around asbestos.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Some mesothelioma patients can pinpoint the cause of their cancer to when they worked with asbestos, or asbestos-containing products.

Asbestos products were once commonly used in thousands of products from hairdryers to home insulation. Hundreds of thousands of people who worked around these products were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Asbestos is still used in the U.S. today. Throughout the years it’s likely that a number of those exposed have been misdiagnosed.

There are about 3,000 people diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. About 10,000 people die from asbestos diseases annually.

Mesothelioma develops most often in the membrane that lines the lungs called the pleura. Mesothelioma can also develop around the abdomen and the heart.

Doctors can diagnose the type of cancer using several tests including CT scans, scopes and biopsies. Doctors may differ on treatment options depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma.

It’s important to know that seeking a second opinion is not an indictment of the doctor. Doctors are usually glad to recommend other physicians who can help patients get a second opinion. It’s not uncommon for some patients to seek out three or more "second" opinions. Sometimes it’s comforting for patients to hear the opinions from several physicians just to make sure they’re getting the proper treatment and diagnoses.

Of course receiving a second opinion can be expensive. There could be more tests, more travel and more medical costs. But in most cases patients won’t have to undergo the same diagnostic tests twice. Patients are entitled to view and send their medical records to other doctors who will be giving the second opinion.

It’s also important to check with healthcare providers to see if a secondary visit is covered by insurance. Some providers actually require a second opinion before approving major surgery or treatment.

Not to be overlooked during the process is the trust factor. Patients should choose doctors they are most comfortable with. Trust in the medical staff and receiving proper care can drastically improve the quality of life for a mesothelioma patient.

Source: mesotheliomanews.com
More mesothelioma patients are seeking second opinions from doctors, which can lead to significant differences in how the cancer is treated.

Although mesothelioma can be detected with the right tests, some doctors can easily mistakenly diagnose the disease as lung cancer, or as something else completely. The mistake is simple to make, especially with a rare cancer such as mesothelioma.

Both cancers have some of the same symptoms. Patients can experience dry cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Doctors have been known to misread slides and test results. Sometimes they may not be able to see all the possibilities and overlook key evidence. That’s why it’s important to share your medical and occupational history with the doctor, especially if you think that you were around asbestos.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Some mesothelioma patients can pinpoint the cause of their cancer to when they worked with asbestos, or asbestos-containing products.

Asbestos products were once commonly used in thousands of products from hairdryers to home insulation. Hundreds of thousands of people who worked around these products were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Asbestos is still used in the U.S. today. Throughout the years it’s likely that a number of those exposed have been misdiagnosed.

There are about 3,000 people diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. About 10,000 people die from asbestos diseases annually.

Mesothelioma develops most often in the membrane that lines the lungs called the pleura. Mesothelioma can also develop around the abdomen and the heart.

Doctors can diagnose the type of cancer using several tests including CT scans, scopes and biopsies. Doctors may differ on treatment options depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma.

It’s important to know that seeking a second opinion is not an indictment of the doctor. Doctors are usually glad to recommend other physicians who can help patients get a second opinion. It’s not uncommon for some patients to seek out three or more "second" opinions. Sometimes it’s comforting for patients to hear the opinions from several physicians just to make sure they’re getting the proper treatment and diagnoses.

Of course receiving a second opinion can be expensive. There could be more tests, more travel and more medical costs. But in most cases patients won’t have to undergo the same diagnostic tests twice. Patients are entitled to view and send their medical records to other doctors who will be giving the second opinion.

It’s also important to check with healthcare providers to see if a secondary visit is covered by insurance. Some providers actually require a second opinion before approving major surgery or treatment.

Not to be overlooked during the process is the trust factor. Patients should choose doctors they are most comfortable with. Trust in the medical staff and receiving proper care can drastically improve the quality of life for a mesothelioma patient.

Source: mesotheliomanews.com

2012-01-21

Immunological Treatment in MPM

D.H. Sterman, J. Stevenson, A.R. Haas, S.M. Albelda


Malignant Mesothelioma has been a target of immunotherapy for decades. Early studies used systemic and/or intrapleural cytokines delivery to initiate immune response. In the early 1990s, Boutin and colleagues showed significant clinical responses in early-stage mesothelioma to intrapleural administration of interferon-gamma. Subcutaneous interferon-alpha (a Type 1 interferon) demonstrated anti-tumor activity in clinical trials. Immunotherapy trials using IL-2 have also been conducted, either as single agent intrapleural, or in combination with multi-modality therapy. Vaccines have also been studied in clinical trials. Approaches include autologous tumor cells (with and without adjuvants such as GM-CSF) and a vaccine containing peptides from the Wilms tumor-1 (WT-1) gene product with cellular and humoral immune responses induced, and notation of anecdotal clinical responses. More recently, a trial conducted in the Netherlands by Hegmans et al. using tumor antigen-loaded dendritic cells has shown promise.

Based on strong preclinical data, a clinical using an agonistic CD40 antibody to stimulate immune responses in combination with Gemcitabine chemotherapy was recently initiated at the Sir Charles Gairdiner Hospital in Perth, Australia. The protein mesothelin, which is highly upregulated on mesothelioma, has been indentified as a potentially good tumor antigen and thus a target for immunotherapy. Clinical trials initiated at the NCI using a high affinity antibody alone (MORAB-009) or a fusion protein between an anti-mesothelin antibody and pseudomonas exotoxin (SS1P) are being conducted. Two Phase I studies showed SSP1 was relatively well tolerated and resulted in some interesting clinical effects, including partial responses and stable disease. A Phase II trial combining SS1P with standard chemotherapy is ongoing at the NCI in the U.S. A trial using a modified listeria bacterial vector encoding mesothelin was also conducted, however preliminary results did not demonstrate generation of impressive cellular immune responses.

Our group at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a series of Phase 1 clinical trials of a replication-incompetent adenoviral vector encoding HSVtk (Ad.HSVtk) delivered intrapleurally (followed by Ganciclovir) into 34 patients with pleural mesothelioma. Dose limiting toxicity was not reached, side effects were minimal and gene transfer was confirmed in a dose-related fashion with clearly detectable gene transfer (evidenced by immunostaining) at tumor surfaces and up to 30-50 cell layers deep. Anti-tumor antibodies and strong anti-adenoviral immune responses, including high titers of neutralizing antibody and proliferative T-cell responses were generated, however, with no obvious adverse side effects. Interestingly, a number of clinical responses were seen at the higher dose levels, including two patients that remained alive (one without disease) for more than 10 years after vector instillation.

Based on a series of preclinical experiments, our group has completed a series of Phase 1 dose escalation studies evaluating the safety and feasibility of intrapleural interferon-beta gene transfer using an adenoviral vector (Ad.IFNb) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) and metastatic pleural effusions (MPE). Ad.IFNb was administered through an indwelling pleural catheter in doses ranging from 9 x 1011 to 3 x 1012 viral particles (vp). A total of 27 patients in 3 trials have been dosed since 2005 and include 17 with malignant mesotheliomas, 5 with advanced lung cancer, 3 with metastatic ovarian cancer, and 2 with metastatic breast cancer. In the first trial, we used one dose of vector; later trials used two doses spaced at 14 or 7 days apart. Subjects were evaluated for toxicity, gene transfer, humoral, cellular, and cytokine-mediated immune responses, and tumor responses via 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) scans and chest CT scans. Intrapleural Ad.INF-b was generally well tolerated with transient lymphopenia the most common side effect. The presence of the vector did not elicit a marked cellular infiltrate in the pleural space.

Good gene transfer seen after first dose with high IFN beta levels measured in the pleural fluid after vector installation. However, only very low gene transfer seen after a second dose- with either 14 day and 7 day spacing. We attribute this to rapid upregulation of neutralizing antibodies against adenovirus. Anti-tumor humoral immune responses were seen almost all patients with reactions seen against known Meso tumor antigens (SV40 large T antigen and mesothelin) and against unknown proteins in cell lysates. Given the caveats of Phase 1 trials (small numbers, different doses, heavily pretreated patients), we still saw clinical responses (defined as prolonged stable disease, prolonged survival, partial or complete responses by modified RESIST criteria, decreased metabolic tumor activity by PET scanning, or mixed responses) in about 1/3 of the patients. We are currently administering two doses of a similar Type I interferon transgene - Intrapleural Ad.INF-alpha-2b - spaced only three days apart. This appears to be well tolerated. Based on strong preclinical data supporting the combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy, we have started a trial using Ad. INF instillation into the first treatment cycle of first line (Cisplatin/Pemetrexed) or second line chemotherapy (Gemcitabine). We are also utilizing concomitant COX-2 inhibition with Celecoxib to modulate intratumoral immunosuppression, and to decrease suppressor cell activity, as has been demonstrated by Hegmans, et al.

Our groups is also generating designer chimeric T cells in which a single chain antibody fragment is linked to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of the T-cell receptor. This artificial T-cell receptor is then transduced into T-cells that are then reinfused. The T-cells are then activated by cells expressing mesothelin. Preclinical data show striking activity against mesothelin-expressing tumors in mice. Mesotheliomas make large amounts of the immunoinhibitory cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b). Preclinical studies using TGF-b blockers have shown activity in mouse models of mesothelioma and a clinical trial using an anti- TGF-b antibody is ongoing at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago.

In summary, immunotherapies are being actively studied in mesothelioma and have shown some promising results. Future trials are focusing on combining these approaches with chemotherapy and surgery. Given the relatively mild and non-overlapping toxicities, we believe these, or other immunologic approaches will soon become part of the standard therapeutic armamentarium. 
 
Source: klikpdpi.com 
D.H. Sterman, J. Stevenson, A.R. Haas, S.M. Albelda


Malignant Mesothelioma has been a target of immunotherapy for decades. Early studies used systemic and/or intrapleural cytokines delivery to initiate immune response. In the early 1990s, Boutin and colleagues showed significant clinical responses in early-stage mesothelioma to intrapleural administration of interferon-gamma. Subcutaneous interferon-alpha (a Type 1 interferon) demonstrated anti-tumor activity in clinical trials. Immunotherapy trials using IL-2 have also been conducted, either as single agent intrapleural, or in combination with multi-modality therapy. Vaccines have also been studied in clinical trials. Approaches include autologous tumor cells (with and without adjuvants such as GM-CSF) and a vaccine containing peptides from the Wilms tumor-1 (WT-1) gene product with cellular and humoral immune responses induced, and notation of anecdotal clinical responses. More recently, a trial conducted in the Netherlands by Hegmans et al. using tumor antigen-loaded dendritic cells has shown promise.

Based on strong preclinical data, a clinical using an agonistic CD40 antibody to stimulate immune responses in combination with Gemcitabine chemotherapy was recently initiated at the Sir Charles Gairdiner Hospital in Perth, Australia. The protein mesothelin, which is highly upregulated on mesothelioma, has been indentified as a potentially good tumor antigen and thus a target for immunotherapy. Clinical trials initiated at the NCI using a high affinity antibody alone (MORAB-009) or a fusion protein between an anti-mesothelin antibody and pseudomonas exotoxin (SS1P) are being conducted. Two Phase I studies showed SSP1 was relatively well tolerated and resulted in some interesting clinical effects, including partial responses and stable disease. A Phase II trial combining SS1P with standard chemotherapy is ongoing at the NCI in the U.S. A trial using a modified listeria bacterial vector encoding mesothelin was also conducted, however preliminary results did not demonstrate generation of impressive cellular immune responses.

Our group at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a series of Phase 1 clinical trials of a replication-incompetent adenoviral vector encoding HSVtk (Ad.HSVtk) delivered intrapleurally (followed by Ganciclovir) into 34 patients with pleural mesothelioma. Dose limiting toxicity was not reached, side effects were minimal and gene transfer was confirmed in a dose-related fashion with clearly detectable gene transfer (evidenced by immunostaining) at tumor surfaces and up to 30-50 cell layers deep. Anti-tumor antibodies and strong anti-adenoviral immune responses, including high titers of neutralizing antibody and proliferative T-cell responses were generated, however, with no obvious adverse side effects. Interestingly, a number of clinical responses were seen at the higher dose levels, including two patients that remained alive (one without disease) for more than 10 years after vector instillation.

Based on a series of preclinical experiments, our group has completed a series of Phase 1 dose escalation studies evaluating the safety and feasibility of intrapleural interferon-beta gene transfer using an adenoviral vector (Ad.IFNb) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) and metastatic pleural effusions (MPE). Ad.IFNb was administered through an indwelling pleural catheter in doses ranging from 9 x 1011 to 3 x 1012 viral particles (vp). A total of 27 patients in 3 trials have been dosed since 2005 and include 17 with malignant mesotheliomas, 5 with advanced lung cancer, 3 with metastatic ovarian cancer, and 2 with metastatic breast cancer. In the first trial, we used one dose of vector; later trials used two doses spaced at 14 or 7 days apart. Subjects were evaluated for toxicity, gene transfer, humoral, cellular, and cytokine-mediated immune responses, and tumor responses via 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) scans and chest CT scans. Intrapleural Ad.INF-b was generally well tolerated with transient lymphopenia the most common side effect. The presence of the vector did not elicit a marked cellular infiltrate in the pleural space.

Good gene transfer seen after first dose with high IFN beta levels measured in the pleural fluid after vector installation. However, only very low gene transfer seen after a second dose- with either 14 day and 7 day spacing. We attribute this to rapid upregulation of neutralizing antibodies against adenovirus. Anti-tumor humoral immune responses were seen almost all patients with reactions seen against known Meso tumor antigens (SV40 large T antigen and mesothelin) and against unknown proteins in cell lysates. Given the caveats of Phase 1 trials (small numbers, different doses, heavily pretreated patients), we still saw clinical responses (defined as prolonged stable disease, prolonged survival, partial or complete responses by modified RESIST criteria, decreased metabolic tumor activity by PET scanning, or mixed responses) in about 1/3 of the patients. We are currently administering two doses of a similar Type I interferon transgene - Intrapleural Ad.INF-alpha-2b - spaced only three days apart. This appears to be well tolerated. Based on strong preclinical data supporting the combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy, we have started a trial using Ad. INF instillation into the first treatment cycle of first line (Cisplatin/Pemetrexed) or second line chemotherapy (Gemcitabine). We are also utilizing concomitant COX-2 inhibition with Celecoxib to modulate intratumoral immunosuppression, and to decrease suppressor cell activity, as has been demonstrated by Hegmans, et al.

Our groups is also generating designer chimeric T cells in which a single chain antibody fragment is linked to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of the T-cell receptor. This artificial T-cell receptor is then transduced into T-cells that are then reinfused. The T-cells are then activated by cells expressing mesothelin. Preclinical data show striking activity against mesothelin-expressing tumors in mice. Mesotheliomas make large amounts of the immunoinhibitory cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b). Preclinical studies using TGF-b blockers have shown activity in mouse models of mesothelioma and a clinical trial using an anti- TGF-b antibody is ongoing at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago.

In summary, immunotherapies are being actively studied in mesothelioma and have shown some promising results. Future trials are focusing on combining these approaches with chemotherapy and surgery. Given the relatively mild and non-overlapping toxicities, we believe these, or other immunologic approaches will soon become part of the standard therapeutic armamentarium. 
 
Source: klikpdpi.com 
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