Malignant Mesothelioma Research - Mesothelioma of the Pleura
Malignant Mesothelioma Research
Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon type of cancer; fewer than 3,000 cases are reported each year. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, a membrane that lines various body cavities, including the:
- Pleura (thoracic cavity or lung): mesothelioma of the pleura is called pleural mesothelioma.
- Peritoneum (abdominal cavity or stomach): mesothelioma of the peritoneum is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Pericardium (heart sac): mesothelioma of the pericardium is called pericardial mesothelioma.
Treatments for malignant mesothelioma have seen limited success because of the disease's average latency period of 35 to 40 years. Symptoms generally present themselves after the cancer has already reached an advanced stage. Unfortunately, this results in an average survival time following diagnosis of one to two years.
Malignant Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Airborne asbestos is carcinogenic, so inhalation of asbestos fibers puts people at risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are tied to asbestos occupational exposure.
Historically, asbestos insulation was commonly used in buildings because of its fireproofing and insulating abilities (in addition to the fact that it is highly flexible, is resistant to other chemicals and has a high tensile strength). Aside from buildings, asbestos insulation was also used throughout the automobile industry, factories and the shipyards. Asbestos occupational exposure was therefore extremely common.
Malignant Mesothelioma Research
Studies estimate that malignant mesothelioma has been responsible for some 200,000 deaths worldwide. Although the disease appears to have limited future impact in countries where asbestos regulation serves as a safeguard, there are still hundreds of thousands of people who are exposed to asbestos and at risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma research therefore remains a high priority.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer and therefore falls under the umbrella of a number of cancer research programs; however, only a couple of research projects target mesothelioma specifically.
New Chemotherapy Drugs
There are a number of new chemotherapy drugs being research and tested through clinical trials. Two drugs currently garnering a great deal of attention are Alimta and Veglin.
Alimta (permetrexed) is a relatively new chemotherapy drug, which in combination with cisplatin (platinum-based chemotherapy drug), treats patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Alimta candidates must have a well advanced form of pleural mesothelioma and be unqualified for curative surgical procedures.
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February 2004, Alimta is classed as a folate chemotherapy drug because it has a chemical composition similar to folic acid. Alimta treats mesothelioma by inhibiting formation of the DNA and RNA necessary for normal and cancerous cell growth. Clinical trial results showed that when taken in combination with cisplatin, Alimta was successful in extending the average survival time of people with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Veglin is an anti-angiogenesis drug that has had recent clinical trial success in lowering levels of VEGF proteins necessary for tumor metastasis. Developed by VasGene Therapeutics, Inc., Veglin has not produced any toxicity problems, even at the highest dosages levels. Phase I of the Veglin clinical trial involved 36 patients with various types of advanced cancer. Among the 36 patients, VEGF levels declined in 56% and tumor growth slowed in 11%.
Phase II of the Veglin clinical trial is underway and involves patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma, malignant mesothelioma, leukemia and lymphoma.