A new study conducted by the University of Torino in Italy has identified an enzyme that impacts a specific type of mesothelioma, making it more aggressive and resistant to treatment. Italian researchers report new findings that a glycoprotein is one of the factors that impacts the progression of biphasic mesothelioma. Biphasic mesothelioma is a rarer form of the disease that is more resistant to treatment options as compared to the more typical epithelioid mesothelioma. The biphasic form of the disease comprises an estimated 20% to 35% of total mesothelioma cases.
The new study, which was published in the journal Oncotarget, specifically focuses on a molecule called CD157. CD157 is an enzyme that is linked to ovarian cancer. Researchers identified that the epithelial cells of the ovaries and the cells of the mesothelium (where mesothelioma originates) have innate similarities. This allowed them to hypothesize the correlation between the enzyme and mesothelioma.
Research findings indicate that the glycoprotein, CD157, which was prevalent in the surface of mesothelioma cells adversely affects treatment outcomes and enhances the disease’s progression in cases of biphasic mesothelioma. Specifically, the research indicates:
*There were higher levels of CD157 in four out of nine malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines studied by researchers.
*CD157 was also present in 85% of mesothelioma tissue samples. The molecule’s elevated presence was linked to more aggressive forms of biphasic mesothelioma.
*Researchers established an indisputable correlation between CD157 and the rate of growth in mesothelioma cells. Moreover, raising or lowering the level of CD157 in mesothelioma cells also impacted the cells’ ability to travel and attack other tissues. Increased levels of CD157 also resulted in a proclivity for tumors to form.
*All of the study findings were more aggravated in cases of the biphasic form of the disease. Moreover, elevated levels of CD157 adversely impacted the success of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs typically used to treat biphasic mesothelioma.
Overall, the new study reveals that CD157 is negatively associated in a variety of ways with the progression of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Now that researchers have identified this trigger, the presence of CD157 can be identified to separate patients into different treatment option groups and determine specific chemotherapy programs that will be most successful and less resistant.
Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers of Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler keep current with leading mesothelioma research and treatment programs. If you or a loved may have been exposed to asbestos, please contact our Philadelphia asbestos lawyers. We will evaluate your asbestos claim at no cost to you. We represent clients in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Call our Center City Philadelphia law office today at 800-369-0899 or contact us online.
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