Mesothelioma - Asbestos Fibers
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Our feature article "Mesothelioma Treatments - Immunotherapy & Gene Therapy" will give you a better understanding of the treatments available for anyone suffering from Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It affects the linings of the cavities around the lungs, stomach, and heart. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, but the cancer usually does not appear until 10 to 40 years after a person first inhales asbestos.
We are committed to helping those afflicted with Mesothelioma of their legal rights against the companies who are responsible for those injuries.
Article - Mesothelioma Treatments - Immunotherapy & Gene Therapy
Immunotherapy, also referred to as biological therapy, is based on the theory that it is possible to mobilize the body's own immune defenses against cancerous cells. Another name often applies to this therapy, biological response modifiers (BRMs), and is described in this article.
There are several new experimental treatments that try to enhance the immune system's ability to combat malignant mesothelioma. These include gene therapy and the use of cytokine proteins such as interferons and interleukins. These treatments are also being tested in combination with chemotherapy and other treatments.
The National Cancer Institute has very helpful fact sheets on these topics:
- Biological Therapies: Using the Immune System To Treat Cancer
- Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy of Cancer
Gene Therapy:
This a new treatment which is currently in clinical trials. Using an adenovirus for delivery, a "suicide gene" is inserted directly into the tumor. This gene makes the cells sensitive to a normally ineffective drug, such as glanciclovir. Treatment with the drug then destroys those cells that are rapidly dividing - which are the cancer cells - leaving the healthy cells unharmed.
In theory, this approach allows treatment to target the tumor specifically, as opposed to treatments such as chemotherapy which also kill healthy cells.
Gene therapy for mesothelioma is being researched at the University of Pennsylvania, with Dr. Steven Albenda as the principal investigator. This treatment is not without risk, as became apparent in the death of Jesse Gelsinger, a University of Pennsylvania gene therapy trial participant. (Note that Mr. Gelsinger was not a participant in the mesothelioma trial.)
Further Resources:
- National Cancer Institute's information on Gene Therapy
- The DNA Files: Gene Therapy - Medicine for your Genes. This NPR program is about mesothelioma and gene therapy. To listen to it on the web you must have RealAudio on your computer; it can be downloaded for free.
- Steven M. Albelda, MD, et al. - "Gene Therapy for Lung Disease: Hype or Hope?" in Annals of Internal Medicine, 18 April 2000. 132: 649-660.