October 8, 2014 – Italian and Swedish researchers recently reported new information in the treatment of mesothelioma, which is an aggressive form of cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos. By using the KB9520 molecule to activate the Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERbeta) found in the nucleus of cells, researchers discovered that mesothelioma tumor cell growth slowed down significantly while the rate of cell death increased when combined with the drug cisplatin. When pemetrexed was added to the therapy and tested on lab mice, researchers found that healthy cells were protected from the harsh side effects of chemotherapy. Both cisplatin and pemetrexed are the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of mesothelioma.
What all this means for mesothelioma patients is that ERbeta combined with the traditional drugs cisplatin and pemetrexed appears to increase the response time and effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs used to battle the disease. By protecting healthy cells from the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, the overall health of the patient will be an asset in fighting the malignant cells. When cisplatin and pemetrexed are used together without the benefit of ERbeta, only 40 % of patients have successful outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Piemonte Orientale in Italy, and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden will continue to collaborate, testing the effectiveness of the estrogen receptor on human cells.
Philadelphia and New Jersey Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Advocate for Victims of Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos-Related Cancers
The Philadelphia and New Jersey asbestos attorneys at Shein Law have been advocating for the rights of mesothelioma patients for four decades. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact our team of highly skilled and experienced asbestos lawyers at 1-877-SHEINLAW or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation today to see how we can help you claim the compensation you may be entitled to under the law. With offices located in center city Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we provide convenient access to clients throughout both states.