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For patients suffering from mesothelioma, finding a treatment that works is vital. Fortunately, the options for mesothelioma treatment are advancing, including the development of inhalable treatments. Scientists at the Koch Center for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are working toward developing an inhalable treatment to target cancer cells located in the lungs.
Pleural mesothelioma is a particularly rapid and difficult cancer to treat. Out of the four types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common. The Mesothelioma Center found that nearly 75 percent of mesothelioma cases form in the pleura. The prognosis for this cancer can be devastating for victims of asbestos exposure. This new treatment opens doors for those suffering from pleural mesothelioma, as well as other lung cancers that are not attributed to asbestos. Although this treatment is still developing, it is a glimmer of hope for those with lung cancers and diseases.
The recently developed inhalable treatment uses a formula that consists of RNA (mRNA) molecules that exist in an aerosol component. Patients simply breathe in the formula ejected from the component. Previous research suggests that RNA (mRNA) molecules send genetic messages to the patient’s cells, which encourage them to produce proteins that kill cancer cells. The scientists developing the treatment hope that inhalation of these molecules will improve success rates of patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma. Their prediction is that the new treatment route will be simpler than other treatment options and will also allow for better results.
As with any developing treatment, researchers must first conduct a thorough study to prove its effectiveness. To test their new treatment, the scientists at MIT distributed their inhalable formula to mice. Researchers found that once the mice inhaled the treatment, they began producing a target bioluminescent protein called luciferase. This protein allowed researchers to see how the mice’s cells responded to messages delivered through mRNA molecules. The research also indicated that the treatment remained in the targeted area; the lungs. The mice were able to maintain this production of protein through repeated doses of the treatment. The team of researchers are hoping for more success with the treatment, including evidence of the production of therapeutic proteins.
If you or someone you know was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, the Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler can help. Our lawyers work alongside clients to reach the best possible legal outcome. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-4000 for a free consultation today. With an office located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.