October 23, 2013 – The New Jersey mesothelioma attorneys at Shein Law recently learned of several new studies that could provide lung cancer and mesothelioma patients a more positive outlook on their future.
Research in Preventing Metastasis of Cancer Cells
One study published in the journal Oncogene, is the collaboration of two longtime colleagues from opposite sides of the country recently joining together in their fight against cancer. Ken Adler, a cell biology professor at North Carolina State University, initially developed a peptide drug to help control lung inflammation in patients with chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and asthma. Collaborating with his close friend, Reen Wu, from the University of California-Davis, these two researchers believed that Adler’s drug, called MANS peptide, could be used to stop the spread of cancer.
Wu tested the peptide drug in his lab and found that it could stop the movement of cancer cells by blocking the MARCKS protein, a protein found in cells that control cell movement. Adler and Wu then tested MANS peptide on mice that were injected with human lung cancer cells. Their results were quite promising. They found that MANS peptide was actually able to block the spread of the cancer, or “metastasis”. Further studies are now underway with the hope that this drug could potentially be utilized to treat other cancers such as skin cancer, breast cancer and mesothelioma.
Stop the spread of cancer has become a prime area of cancer research as it has been reported that cancer metastasis accounts for approximately 90 percent of all cancer deaths, according to researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Many top researchers agree that the paramount step in improving survival rates for cancer patients, including mesothelioma patients is understanding and being able to stop cancer metastasis.
Research in Detection and Treatment of Cancer: Utilizing a DNA Computation Device to Identify Specific MicroRNAs With Cancer Cells
Another study conducted by a second group of researchers at North Carolina State University focused on identifying cancer cells by using a chemical structure inside the cell known as microRNA. MicroRNAs play a role in keeping an individual healthy. When microRNAs are not functioning properly, it can be sign of disease including certain types of cancer such as mesothelioma.
The researchers developed a DNA computation device using logic gates of DNA that is intended to detect specific microRNAs. When the programmed device identifies two particular microRNAs within the cell, the presence of cancer is detected and a fluorescent molecule is released. When the device was tested on mammalian cells, it was able to correctly identify specific cancer cells. This positive finding has led the researchers to believe that the logic gates could be programmed to release a drug that would destroy the cancer cells instead of a fluorescent molecule. These findings can be found in the June issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law: Dedicated to Bringing the Latest Research to Our Mesothelioma Clients and Families
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or any other asbestos-related condition, we encourage you to call Shein Law as soon as possible in order to ensure your rights are fully protected. For the past 30 years, our compassionate attorneys have been providing superior and effective legal representation to mesothelioma victims and their families. As advocates, we will aggressively fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the fair and proper compensation to which you are entitled. Our offices are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey. Call us today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers or fill out our online contact form.