Mesothelioma Gene Therapy

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is showing low survival rate regardless of tumor stage at diagnosis. Malignant Mesothelioma does not respond to treatments and new protocols are badly needed there. The localized nature, the potential availability and the relative lack of distant metastases of malignant mesothelioma is a particularly attractive candidate for somatic gene therapy.

A common goal for the treatment of cancer, the p53 tumor suppressor protein. P53 does not appear to be mutated or deleted in malignant mesothelioma, but it can bind to other proteins, such as inactivated MDM2 and SV40 large T antigen

It tested the effect of a replication-deficient adenoviral vector, the cDNA of wild-type p53 in human cells, malignant mesothelioma. Our results indicate that over 95% of malignant mesothelioma cells efficiently with 25 multiplicity of infection (MOI) of infected vector.

P53 wild type was actually expressed> 80% inhibition of cell proliferation in malignant mesothelioma cells. AdCMV.p53 infection-induced apoptosis, whereas controls showed no obvious morphological change.

Ex vivo gene transfer, p53 inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. Arrested in vivo by direct intratumoral injection AdCMV.p53 of tumor growth and prolonged survival time of treated mice. These results strongly indicate that p53 gene therapy to be used for clinical trials of patients with malignant mesothelioma. By Monty Wrobleski.

Three Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cell lines the inside chest and abdomen, as well as heartfelt bag - the cavity around the heart. These cells are also lines the surface of most internal organs.


Fabric formed mezotelialnymi cells is called mezoteliya. Mezotely chest called pleurisy, abdominal - ventral cavity and heart - pericardium. Tumors mezoteliya are benign and malignant, and usually there are malignant tumors, called mesothelioma.






There are three types of malignant mezoteliom:
1. Epitelioidny type of 50-70% of all mezoteliom and with the best prognosis (outcome).


2. Sarkomatoidny type (7-20%).


3. Mixed type (20-35%).


Nearly 3 / 4 mezoteliom occurs in the thoracic cavity and are called the pleura mezoteliom. In 10-20% of the tumor develops in the abdomen - mesothelioma peritoneum. Mesothelioma pericardiocentesis occur very infrequently.


How frequently malignant mesothelioma occur?
Mesothelioma is a rare tumor, which is more common in men after 50 years. Every year thousands of new evidence of 2-3 cases. The tumor may be a long time, asymptomatic, and therefore is often detected at later stages, which negatively influences the prognosis (outcome) of disease. The average survival rate of patients is usually only 1-2 years.


Risk factors of malignant mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is used in the manufacture of insulation and fire-resistant materials, tiles, brake pads, etc. Once the relationship of contact with asbestos and mesothelioma development of this substance has been dramatically reduced.
The risk of developing mesothelioma depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to asbestos. Prolonged contact at a young age greatly increases the risk of mesothelioma. The time period from the time of first contact with asbestos before the diagnosis of tumors is 20-50 years.


Smoking by itself does not affect the increase in the development of mesothelioma, but the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. A smoking people exposed to asbestos, the risk of developing lung cancer increased in the 50-90 times compared with the general population.


To prevent (prevent) the development of mesothelioma must be taken to avoid contact with asbestos at home and at work.




Diagnosis of mesothelioma
Early symptoms mezoteliom are not specific. They are sometimes ignored or taken for patients of normal neopuholevyh diseases. Most patients with mesothelioma symptoms appear in 2-3 months to identify the tumor. A number of patients with symptoms may continue for 6 months or more.


50% of patients with mesothelioma pleura note at the bottom of a chest pain in the side or rear surface. Many patients complain of shortness of breath. In some cases, there is difficulty swallowing, coughing, sweating, weakness, weight loss and increased temperature. Other symptoms can indicate osiplost voice, hemoptysis, swelling of the face and upper limbs.


Patients with mesothelioma peritoneum possible abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss. Some patients may receive the fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and / or swelling.


If you like mezoteliomu is an urgent need to consult a doctor to ascertain the presence of risk factors and appoint survey. During the examination the doctor can detect the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity (pleurisy), abdomen (ascites) or perikarde (pericarditis), which occurs as a result of the development of tumors.


Chest x-ray can detect thickening of pleura, the presence of kaltsifikatov (mineral deposits) in plevre and fluid in the pleural cavity.


Computer tomography (CT) makes it possible to diagnose mesothelioma and to determine the prevalence of (stage).


Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help identify lesions diaphragm - the muscle tissue, which separates the chest and abdominal cavity.


Thoracoscopy (examination of pleural cavity with a special device) you can not only identify the tumor, but also to make a biopsy (take a piece of tissue for research) or to obtain fluid for microscopic studies to clarify the diagnosis.


Laparoscopy (abdominal examination with the help of the device) you can examine the abdominal cavity, take a piece of the tumor, or fluid for research.




Stages (prevalence), mesothelioma
Currently, only differentiated stage mesothelioma pleura, as occurs much more frequently than others localizations. There are 4 stages pleura mesothelioma.


Stage I - the tumor affects plevru the left or right, and the lymph nodes in the process is not involved.


Stage II - one-sided defeat of pleura and the spread of tumor in the diaphragm or lung tissue.


Stage III - one-sided defeat of pleura and distribution process on the front chest wall, or fatty tissue mediastinum, or pericardium, or lymph nodes on the side of mesothelioma.


Stage IV - mesothelioma involved in muscle or ribs, or sprouts diaphragm, or esophagus, trachea, thymus, the major blood vessels, or spine, or moving to the other side, or distributed through the bloodstream to distant organs.


Treatment of malignant mesothelioma
The choice of treatment depends on several factors including the stage of the tumor, the general condition of the patient and his views. Given the rarity of mesothelioma, it is advisable to carry out specialized cancer treatment facilities that have experience in the treatment of such patients.
Surgical treatment
The operation can be performed as a palliative or therapeutic purposes. A palliative operation meant surgery, which can eliminate or reduce pain or discomfort caused by the growth of tumors. Such operations are used when it is impossible to remove a tumor because of the prevalence of the condition of the patient or heavy.


Plevroektomiya / decortication is generally palliative operation is to remove the pleura, which prevents the accumulation of fluid and reduce the pain.


Torakotsentez - a procedure in which a needle is removed from the liquid from the pleural cavity to facilitate the patient's condition.


The introduction of talc or antibiotics in the pleural cavity in order to temporarily prevent the accumulation of fluid in the well in 90% of patients with mesothelioma pleura.


Puncture the front abdominal wall allows you to remove the accumulated fluid in the abdomen in patients with mesothelioma peritoneum.


Patients with mesothelioma pericardiocentesis pericardiocentesis execution provides an opportunity to remove fluid and improve the heart's activity.


Patients in a satisfactory condition with a localized tumor, performing radical surgery, ie complete removal of mesothelioma.
One should bear in mind that often, after the alleged radical operations are microscopic tumor foci. In this regard, the importance of radical operations in patients with mesothelioma contested.


Vneplevralnaya pneumonectomy is the removal of pleura, diaphragm, pericardiocentesis and light on the side of destruction. This extended operation can be performed only highly trained surgeons, oncologists in the patients with good general condition with severe concomitant diseases.


In patients with localized mezotelimoy peritoneum may be an attempt to remove a tumor along with part of the abdominal wall. Unfortunately, most patients with mesothelioma peritoneum performance of radical operations can not be in the prevalence of the process.


In the case of localized lesions pericardiocentesis performed his disposal, and in the dissemination process - palliative intervention to prevent the accumulation of fluid.




Radiation therapy
External radiation is used in patients with mesothelioma frequently.
With internal radiation radioactive material is brought directly to the tumor.
This type of radiation therapy is used as the primary method of treatment for patients in serious condition, when they can not move a serious operation.


Supporting radiotherapy after non appointed operations to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
Palliative irradiation is used to alleviate symptoms caused by the growth of tumors: shortness of breath, pain, bleeding and difficulty swallowing.


Radiation therapy can cause adverse reactions and complications in the form of burning the skin, weakness, nausea, vomiting, liquid stool, damage lung tissue, difficulty breathing.
Most adverse events being held after the completion of the course of irradiation.
It is known that radiation therapy may increase the side effects of chemotherapy.




Chemotherapy
When treating patients with malignant mesothelioma drugs could be imposed not only intravenously, but intrapleural and vnutriperitonealno (in the abdominal cavity).
Depending on the stage of tumor chemotherapy can be both substantive and supportive treatment. Moreover, chemotherapy is used only as a palliative, giving only a temporary effect.
Of the anticancer drugs used: doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate, vinorelbin and others in various combinations.


On the adverse reactions of chemotherapy include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, increased susceptibility to infections, bleeding. Most adverse events being held after completion of treatment.

Source : Over Mesothelioma

Risk Factors for Malignant Mesothelioma?

What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos exposure doesn�t stop there, however. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers. The occupations most widely affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers - especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers receive second hand exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos. Serpentine fibers are dangerous as well, however, and have also been linked to mesothelioma.

Some research points to the fact that inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. As fibers are inhaled through the mouth and nose they are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways and then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. The Amphibole fibers (long and thin) do not clear as easily and it is therefore thought that they can embed into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

Asbestosis (scar tissue in the lungs) or lung cancer can also be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. In fact, people exposed to asbestos are seven times more likely to develop lung cancer over the general public. Workers who sustain high levels of asbestos exposure are more likely to die from asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma than any other disease. It is also believed that the action of coughing up and swallowing asbestos could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been found to exist in other organs of the body as well such as the larynx, pancreas and colon, but those instances are extremely limited compared to lung cancer incidents.

The chance of developing mesothelioma is in direct proportion to the duration and amount of asbestos exposure that an individual sustains. Those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos at a young age, for long periods of time have a greater risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma than those who have short, low level exposure. Another important consideration is that Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest. Often, twenty to forty years can elapse from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Genetic factors can also play a role which explains why not everyone exposed to asbestos develops and asbestos related disease.

Radiation

Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.

Zeolite

Some mesothelioma cases in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.

Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.

Tobacco

Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher). Research indicates that lung cancer is the leading cause of death among asbestos workers.

Source : National Cancer Institute - Fact Sheets: Risk Factors and Possible Causes
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk

Cell Types of Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma can also be classified by different cancer cell types, each of which tends to behave differently. There are three classifications assigned to mesothelioma cell types.

Epithelial Mesothelioma is the most common cell type and accounts for approximately 50-75% percent of all diagnosed cases each year. These cells are uniform in shape, with an elongated pattern that makes them easily distinguishable when viewed under high magnification. These cancers are adenocarcinomas, malignancies which are more commonly associated with pure lung cancers as opposed to cancers of the mesothelium.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a less common cell type, accounting for between 7 and 20% of diagnosed cases each year. These cells grow forth out of supportive structures, such as muscles and bones.

Biphasic mesotheliomas are those with a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid cell types. Treatment options do not vary greatly between cell types, but often sarcomatoid mesotheliomas are more difficult to treat as a result of the surrounding affected tissues from which they spread.

Thoracoscopy and the use of special stains can be helpful in identifying cellular classifications, though obtaining adequate tissue samples often require more invasive surgeries.

Source : Mesothelioma

Asbestos Cancer

A prominent mineral asbestos greatly in many modern manufacturing business. It is agreed that the ore is used for building and all kinds of other projects. Ore were also become a health hazard. The cause of the cancer asbestos cancer or entry. This is a delicate situation, many industries are not understanding the harmful effects of asbestos. When the employee development, they asbestos cancer for legal proceedings. These litigation ran into millions, in order to prevent possible circumstances, the company has to invest for its employees appropriate protective equipment with asbestos work.

Every inch of the human body is composed of cells. These cells are copying the replay. This kind of cell replication occurred in the process of the main share. As long as cell replication process control, human organs, including will resume normal function. When a cell replication, so it becomes abnormal condition called to cancer. Since mesothelioma is irregular growth by cells in the area of cells, causing the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. This factor, the abnormal growth of cells is still mysterious. mesothelioma

Have certain differences between cancer and other normal mesothelioma cancer. Since mesothelioma can find covering almost all major organs such as the heart, lungs and cancer of the body can be. Secondly, it is difficult to diagnose this type of cancer. Employees complain about physical pain, but family members work related fatigue, ignore it and fatigue. It is in the final stages, that her cancer patients with the entry. You may already know this fact � this is a threshold, patients must undergo treatment during the procedure.meso-info.net

Once this period is gone, the patient�s cancer may not respond to your treatment. Allegedly, fine powder, inhaled asbestos, will lead to cancer mesothelioma. The importance of this layer can never be underestimated. The protective layer is known and protect its regular lubrication authority from the influence and suddenly. This form of treatment of cancer, but only a small percentage popularization of treatment by the reaction of success.

Adhere to effective protective measures, one is with asbestos. Cancer may affect a person, smoking, he may not know it. The employee training about the disease, for they provide sufficient information is the first step, by our company in order to eliminate to this situation. It is discouraging to find even many employers know the situation, cancer progression in our country entry. Many people, because life is at stake in this condition and employers seem to ignore the situation.

By : Meso Info

The History of Mesothelioma

Smoking is a rare type of cancer, has been proved to be caused by almost always inhaled asbestos particles. Mesothelioma browbeating, usually in a man�s body spread quickly once it�s development. Therefore, when it was found in a man�s body, it usually spread and positive intruder vital organs and tissue in other areas � � may be in just a few months. Treatment of patients, general won�t face entry of a very active long-term prognosis.

Mesothelioma appeared in the form of cancer. Tumor will appear in any place, or in any organ, have mesothelium coverage. Sometimes in tumor detection, determined to be benign, or explanation. This tumor is usually treated explanation, but not in the same way as cancerous.

If a person has to expose tumors or inhaled Mesothelioma of asbestos particles at any time, and in their lives, or will be, malignant cancer. The only certain way to decide whether it is benign or malignant Mesothelioma is a biopsy.

Once a malignant Mesothelioma tumor was detected, testing and determination are malignant, other malignant tumors may appear in other organs. This type of �the dissemination�, refers to the tumor metastasis. If pleural Mesothelioma is found in the tumor may, for example, began to appear on the other place than the original site. There is no way to determine which organs in tumor will pop up after the initial diagnosis.

There are several types of malignant mesothelioma, but they are three of the most common. The most common of these three called �epithelium.� Fortunately, the epithelium, is a form of optimal therapeutic mesothelioma responds to. All three types of general are treated equally surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

In most cases, the malignant Mesothelioma was found in a man�s chest. The second most common cancer diagnosis of local exist when the belly. The most common place was found in the original tumor, that is in the heart.
When the tumor, they are called �in the chest and rib Mesotheliomas� when they found in the abdomen, they are called �, and �Mesotheliomas peritoneal when they found in the heart, they are called�, the pericardial Mesotheliomas.�

This mesothelium is covered inside (two layers, and allow them to sit organs to other organs and tissue without friction or causing friction and influence each other mutually. In other words, the outer membrane provide mesothelium organs and lubricating fluid, so that they can each side sliding. The heart and lungs, for example, and constantly expand and contract, and mesothelium allow these organs without any kinds of moving membrane friction.

According to the position, or organ, it is mesothelium around, it is to point to by different names. When mesothelium mentioned throughout the country, in a person�s abdominal organs, mesothelium called �, peritoneal.� This mesothelium coverage in the chest organs or lung pleural cried, �yes�. Mesothelium membrane cover heart is called �package�.

When a man began to develop, mesothelium Mesothelioma tumor growth. Tumor formation and peritoneal pleural, and/or mesothelium pericardium. When the tumor formation, this is a signal that these cells differentiate the mesothelium control and the normal order of them. Once you begin, it usually cancer has spread to the rest of the body mesothelium area, it also can be transferred to the surrounding tissues and organs.

By Mesoinfo

The Danger of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious disease with a range of survival time on average about one year. What is alarming about this disease is that Mesothelioma is often in an advanced stage although early recognition of symptoms and diagnosis of cancer. On the lighter side, Mesothelioma is a relatively rare disease. In the United States alone, there are about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of documented illness each year.


According to the National Cancer Institute, Mesothelioma affects men more frequently than women. Besides in the case of ethnicity, the disease is not observed among African Americans than among Caucasians.


So how does someone get Mesothelioma?


Most people who suffer from this disease are people who usually work in jobs where there is exposure to asbestos particles. Because this is a disease involving asbestos affected workers, 70 to 80 percent of Mesothelioma cases of people who have a history of asbestos exposure. However, some people who do not have a history of asbestos exposure have been reported as well.


Let us focus on the risks of asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals commonly used in industrial products. Examples of these products are cement, textiles and brakes. As asbestos particles are inhaled or taken in, it can cause serious health problems. Asbestos also has proven to worsen the risk of other serious diseases such as Asbestosis, lung cancer, larynx and kidney.


What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?


As stated above, the early recognition of symptoms of this disease does not mean that in the early stages. Symptoms may only appear after 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The position of these symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss and abdominal pain significantly. In addition, if you already suffer from other parts of the body, symptoms may include unusual anemia, fever and blood clotting disorders.


Legal issues Mesothelioma


Only a small part of lawsuits related to asbestos in the U.S. that connected to Mesothelioma. However, if you or your loved ones suffering from this terrible disease and you may have a legitimate cause of action against the employer for negligence, you should find a lawyer who has a good reputation who can explain your rights. Getting a good Mesothelioma lawyer who handled the case was important as the necessary legal action should be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations.


So before the law closes the door on you and your loved ones Mesothelioma ensure that the claim was filed as a claim must be filed within a certain time period. This time period usually begins when someone has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and the main cause is exposure to asbestos.


Source : Pramedia