A chemical found in a popular spice may hold the key to shrinking mesothelioma tumors. Curcumin, a yellow plant polyphenol found in turmeric, showed promising results in a recent study involving the most aggressive type of mesothelioma tumor. This may be an important breakthrough for patients suffering from malignant mesothelioma, a rare and fatal form of cancer infecting the lining of the lungs, heart, and chest cavity.
The study was conducted on rats that had been induced to develop sarcomatoid mesothelioma tumors in their abdomens. Sarcomatoid tumors are the most fatal and aggressive type of asbestos-related disease. The researchers extracted the tumor cells and injected them with curcumin in a variety of doses to determine the most effective approach. After observing the results, they tested the treatment in vivo, injecting the chemical directly into the rats’ peritoneal cavity.
Curcumin Proves More Effective Than Other Treatments
The rats were given 1.5mg/kg on days seven, nine, 11, and 14 after the initial tumor measurement. A subsequent measurement on day 16 showed a significant reduction in tumor mass. The remaining tumors were small, less aggressive, and often surrounded by cancer-fighting T-cells. The results were very favorable compared to epigenetic drug SAHA, which showed a lower rate of tumor death and left behind more resistant mesothelioma tumors.
The study in France is just the latest in a set of recent studies that have affirmed the effectiveness of curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. In early 2017, the Department of Experimental Medicine at the University of Rome tested intraperitoneal curcumin in mice, who showed a prolonged survival rate. Researchers at the Flinders University in Australia also conducted an experiment involving curcumin in 2015. The curcumin treatments proved effective in preventing mesothelioma tumors from generating new blood vessels.
There is still a long way to go before curcumin can be made available as a treatment for mesothelioma patients, including multiple rounds of clinical trials in human patients. The consistent results of the animal studies are promising as they show the potential for successful alternative approaches to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos, is notoriously resistant to many common cancer therapies. The disease can lay dormant in the body for decades after the initial asbestos exposure. Once diagnosed, patients are often left with a short life expectancy.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Advocate for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, call the Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law. Our knowledgeable, experienced legal team will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine who is at fault for your asbestos exposure, and will prepare an aggressive legal strategy to obtain the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcome and will be with you every step of the way so that you can focus on your recovery. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we help victims throughout the surrounding areas. Call us at 877-SHEINLAW or contact us online today.