New Resource on Mesothelioma Genomics
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New Resource on Mesothelioma Genomics

ByHolly Zink

The MESOMICS project is the most comprehensive dataset of mesothelioma genomics to date. The data in this resource can help researchers to design precision treatments for mesothelioma patients This project was created by an international collaboration between scientists from France, Chile, and the United States. Understanding Diagnosis Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There are approximately 2,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States alone every year. Because it is so rare, the treatment options are very limited compared to other types of cancer. The limited treatment options combined with the cancer’s ability to spread without being noticed makes mesothelioma a deadly disease. Median overall survival for mesothelioma patients is a little over a…

Genomic Experts Report Most Complete Picture of Mesothelioma to Date
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Genomic Experts Report Most Complete Picture of Mesothelioma to Date

ByHolly Zink

Australian and American genomic experts have completed a key step in improving the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. A new study gives results from a large study of malignant pleural mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops on the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest wall. Asbestos causes mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos was used in thousands of industrial, commercial, construction, automotive, and consumer products. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in about 2,000 people in the United States every year. Scientists at the National Centre for Asbestos-Related Disease have taken a dramatic leap forward in the understanding of pleural mesothelioma. DNA Genes Impact Personalized Treatment Plans Previous genomic studies of malignant pleural mesothelioma were limited….

Genetic Links to Mesothelioma Illustrated in New Interactive Model
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Genetic Links to Mesothelioma Illustrated in New Interactive Model

ByAlex Strauss

An interactive model of protein interactions could reveal new genetic links to mesothelioma and even lead to new treatments.  The model is the brainchild of researchers in the US and India. It is a map of the thousands of protein-to-protein interactions that govern how mesothelioma cells develop, thrive, and spread.  Understanding the genetic links to mesothelioma is key to understanding who gets the disease and who does not. It is also crucial for developing new therapies aimed at manipulating the way mesothelioma cells use certain proteins.  Proteins Govern Cellular Functions Mesothelioma is a cancer of the membranes around organs. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma worldwide. But only a small percentage of people who are exposed to asbestos go…

CRISPR Gene Editing Technique and the Future of Mesothelioma Treatment
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CRISPR Gene Editing Technique and the Future of Mesothelioma Treatment

ByAlex Strauss

The powerful CRISPR gene editing technique might have a role to play in the future of mesothelioma treatment. CRISPR is a method for altering certain genes to help fight disease. This week, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania released data from the first study of CRISPR in US cancer patients.  It was only a safety study, but the results are promising. They could have wide-ranging implications for patients fighting aggressive cancers like malignant mesothelioma.  Modifying Genes To Help Fight Cancer The CRISPR gene editing technique is a simplified version of the method bacteria cells use to defend themselves against viruses. This antiviral defense system is called CRISPR-Cas9. The new Penn Medicine study involved just three cancer patients. Two of the…

New Research Reveals Gene Signature for Mesothelioma
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New Research Reveals Gene Signature for Mesothelioma

ByAlex Strauss

Researchers in China say they have come up with a three-gene signature for mesothelioma. The gene signature may help doctors determine mesothelioma prognosis and plan treatment. Pleural mesothelioma is challenging to diagnose and even harder to treat. Many patients do not receive a diagnosis until the disease is in an advanced stage. The new study finds that the gene signature for mesothelioma is “significantly associated”  with overall survival in people with the pleural variety. Testing a Gene Signature for Mesothelioma Genes play an important role in the development and progression of cancers like mesothelioma. The Chinese researchers started by searching for other studies on  mesothelioma prognosis and genes. “The lack of relevant search results indicated that no gene prognostic signatures…

Genetics-Based Cancer Treatment Could Mean New Hope for Mesothelioma
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Genetics-Based Cancer Treatment Could Mean New Hope for Mesothelioma

ByAlex Strauss

The FDA has approved a new genetics-based cancer treatment that could open the door for more targeted mesothelioma therapy. The drug is called larotrectinib. The drug company Bayer sells it under the brand name Vitrakvi. Larotrectinib is unique because it is not specific to any one type of cancer. Instead, larotrectinib is based on a patient’s genetic biomarkers. It is the first drug of its kind to gain approval by the FDA. What is a Genetics-Based Cancer Treatment? A genetics-based cancer treatment is a drug that targets certain genetic mutations. Doctors find these mutations by testing for biomarkers. One mutation could cause breast cancer, colon cancer, or even pleural mesothelioma. Some kinds of mutations are connected to only one type…