Mesothelioma Treatment Breakthrough and Beyond
Professor Peter Szlosarek's groundbreaking study on the use of ADI-PEG20 (pegargiminase) in the treatment of mesothelioma is an exciting development in the battle against the rare and deadly cancer linked with asbestos exposure. The recent drug trial showed that ADI-PEG20, in combination with chemotherapy, quadrupled three-year survival rates for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
This breakthrough didn't happen in a vacuum, of course, as it builds on Szlosarek's previous research–and, even more exciting–it has potential positive implications for other cancer treatments as well.
Building on Prior Research
Szlosarek first discovered that mesothelioma cells lack the ASS1 protein, which allows cells to produce their own arginine. Szlosarek and his team developed ADI-PEG20 to deplete arginine levels in the blood, thereby depriving mesothelioma cells of this crucial amino acid. Without it, their growth is slowed because they cannot produce protein on their own.
"It's truly wonderful to see the research into the arginine starvation of cancer cells come to fruition," said Szlosarek. "This discovery is something I have been driving from its earliest stages in the lab, with a new treatment, ADI-PEG20, now improving patient lives affected by mesothelioma. I thank all the patients and families, investigators and their teams, and Polaris Pharmaceuticals for their commitment to defining a new cancer therapy."
Looking Toward the Future
Having seen success with ADI-PEG20 when combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma, researchers are now setting their sights on other types of cancers that spread through arginine availability in the body. Scientists are currently studying the use of the drug in patients with sarcoma or a specific type of brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, as well as others.
They hope they will be able to build on the success of the most recent drug trial and see similarly encouraging results with the new drug in combating these other difficult-to-treat cancers.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, the earlier treatment begins, the better. However, one of the biggest challenges in effectively treating the disease is that it often takes many years, even decades, after exposure for symptoms to become problematic.
Because new treatments, including ADI-PEG20, are showing incredible promise, it is even more essential that you receive a proper diagnosis as early as possible.
Those who have a history of asbestos exposure should be aware of the following mesothelioma symptoms:
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Unexplained fatigue or feeling unwell
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and know you have been exposed to asbestos, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Call an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and think it may be connected to your health problems, including mesothelioma, you don't have to figure everything out alone. Madeksho Law can help. We have been helping victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses since 1972.
Reach out today at 888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. There is never a charge to talk with us; we will help.
