The Role of PARP Inhibitors in Combating Mesothelioma
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The Role of PARP Inhibitors in Combating Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

PARP is a promising new therapy for thoracic cancers like mesothelioma. PARP is short for Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. PARP is involved in repairing damaged DNA in cells. PARP can work against the effects of chemotherapy by repairing damaged tumor cells. This action allows the tumors to keep growing. If doctors can block PARP in patients with thoracic cancer, they might be able to stop the growth of tumors. A New Hope for Mesothelioma Patients Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the organs in the chest, abdomen, and other areas. The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can cause inflammation that…

Treatment Combination Used Most for Mesothelioma
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Treatment Combination Used Most for Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being used by doctors to treat malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) more often. This is the finding of a study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. This is promising news because research has shown the CRS-HIPEC can be an effective treatment for patients with MPM. Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Exposure MPM is caused by exposure to a toxic material called asbestos. Most doctors believe it is caused from ingestion of asbestos fibers and that microscopic asbestos fibers become embedded in the abdomen. After about 20-50 years, these fibers can cause inflammation and mutations that ultimately caused tumors to form. This cancer occurs in less than 1,000 people in the United States…