Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common form of mesothelioma. Caused by exposure to asbestos, MPM is an aggressive incurable cancer that originates in the mesothelium, or protective sac lining the lungs. Standard treatments for mesothelioma, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have not shown much success and prognosis from time of diagnosis is usually quite poor. 

 

One current research report showed promising results of inhibiting tumor growth with the use of all-trans-retonoic acid (ATRA). As reported in the European Respiratory Journal, researcher C. Tabata completed a study using an established in vitro and mouse model that provided a convincing rationale to further explore the use of ATRA in treating mesothelioma. In this study, ATRA was shown to inhibit the production and function of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a type of cytokine that has been reported to be a key molecule involved in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma.  

 

Mesothelioma patients have significantly higher levels of IL-6 in the pleural fluid than in patients with other types of treatments. Therefore, research has been conducted to prove that any agent that can inhibit the function or growth of IL-6 would be effective in slowing the growth of mesothelioma cells. Agents that block the IL-6 signaling would also result in stopping the proliferation of tumor cells. ATRA is a type of retinoid, which can play a part in controlling the growth, maturation and death of a cell. 

 

In the Tabata study, ATRA showed promising results of being a viable treatment that inhibits IL-6. ATRA was shown to mitigate the clinical conditions of MPM and therefore is worthy of further investigation as a treatment to inhibit or prevent growth and maturation of mesothelioma cells.

 

Please note that any information provided on this site is intended to supply information only and is not a substitute for consultation with an oncologist or physician specializing in mesothelioma treatments. Information is intended to offer the most current research available regarding mesothelioma, however is not an endorsement or recommendation of any particular regimen or drug and should not be considered medical advice.

 

Please consult with a health care professional specializing in asbestos related diseases to discuss the proper course of treatment for your particular illness.