May 16, 2010 - Potential Target for Mesothelioma Treatment
The National Cancer Institute conducts clinical trials investigating potential therapies for all types of cancers, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer that affects the mesothelium, or protective lining around the heart (pericardium), lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is primarily linked with exposure to asbestos that occurred decades prior to symptoms appearing.
Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis and current therapies have had limited effect. Therefore, research continues to explore not only more effective treatment methods but also in hopes of discovering a cure.
One current clinical trial conducted at the National Cancer Institute looked at an agent called MORAb-009 and its use as a target in treating mesothelioma. The study included 8 patients that had mesothelioma, four with pleural and four with peritoneal. Researchers were exploring whether MORAb-009 could work as an inhibitor of mesothelin-CA-125, a tumor differentiation antigen highly expressed in mesothelioma patients.
MORAb-009 is an anti-mesothelin monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies work by specifically binding to and becoming internalized by mesothelin-positive cells, inducing an immune effector activity and cytotoxicity. MORAb-009 may be a useful antibody in delivering pharmacologic agents to mesothelin expressing cells, thereby becoming a viable cancer therapy.
Mesothelin is a glycoprotein that is highly expressed on the surface of mesothelioma. Its expression is limited on normal tissues, which makes it a good target for mesothelioma therapy. In this way, administering antibodies against mesothelin can elicit immune activity to cancer cells while nearby healthy cells and tissues remain unaffected.
In the current clinical trial results, MORAb-009 inhibited mesothelin-CA-125 expression and therefore shows promise as being a potential target for mesothelioma therapy. More clinical trials of this and other similar agents must be undertaken to determine the extent of clinical benefit.
To find out more about clinical studies accepting patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, visit the National Cancer Institute website. Also, speak with your oncologist and medical team to see what is best suited for your situation.
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