Published on March 13, 2023
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat. The cancer’s tumors are unusual in the way they grow and take shape: Because they attach to the surface of the mesothelial membranes, they are difficult to surgically remove. They also do not respond well to systemic chemotherapy, leaving doctors with few options and patients with little hope. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute believe an innovative cancer-fighting gel could offer a significant solution.
Mesothelioma researcher says gel could ‘change treatment paradigm’
Similar to how heated chemotherapy delivers a cancer-fighting drug directly to mesothelioma cells left behind after surgery, the new cancer-fighting gel can either be sprayed onto the malignant tumors or injected with a syringe. Once applied, it adheres to the tumor and delivers a peptide-based surface-fill hydrogel containing tiny messenger RNA particles that inhibit the growth of mesothelioma cells.
Tests on laboratory animals gave amazing results, with mesothelioma tumors responding to the gel almost immediately. The researchers hope to soon begin clinical trials on human patients suffering from the rare and aggressive asbestos-related disease and say it will enhance the effects of surgery, but could also be used to have beneficial effects on patients who are in need of an asbestos disease surgical resection of their tumors are out of the question.
NCI study shows significant impact on mesothelioma tumors
The study’s lead author, Poulami Majumder, wrote of the gel’s effect: “With a single application, SFH shows efficacy in four preclinical mesothelioma models and demonstrates the therapeutic effect of local application of tumor-specific micro-RNA, which could change the treatment paradigm of mesothelioma and possibly others.” Surface cancers.” The researchers are working to make the therapy available to human patients.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, you have a long and challenging road ahead of you. For information on the latest treatment protocols and other resources available to you, contact Mesothelioma.net Patient Advocates today at 1-800-692-8608.
FREE Mesothelioma Pack Written by Terri Oppenheimer Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the main author of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes knowledge is power, and she is committed to sharing news about the effects of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and the stories of victims.
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