March 9, 2015 – Researchers who are working to develop new mesothelioma treatments are faced with the challenge of minimizing potential side effects. Ideally, effective treatment will selectively target malignant cells without damaging healthy mesothelial cells. Doctors at Universite Nantes have had promising results testing a combination of cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) for selective toxicity towards pleural mesothelioma cells. PEITC is a naturally occurring chemical compound that exists in and contributes to the flavor of many vegetables including brussel sprouts, watercress, radishes, and capers. PEITC is known to be toxic to several other types of cancer.
In their recent study, the researchers at Universite Nantes tested the effects of cisplatin and PEITC, both individually and together, on malignant pleural mesothelioma cells and healthy mesothelial cells. They found that PEITC and cisplatin were each toxic to the malignant cells, and that their cancer destroying abilities increased when the two were combined. They also made the promising discovery that PEITC and cisplatin had no significant effect on the healthy mesothelial cells, indicating that treatments developed from cisplatin and PEITC could have minimal side effects for patients being treated for mesothelioma.
The effects of the PEITC and cisplatin combination were also tested on mesothelioma cells combined with M2 macrophages, part of the human immune system which sometimes interferes with mesothelioma treatment. Researchers found that the M2 macrophages did not hinder the cancer killing abilities of the PEITC/cisplatin combination.
New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Obtain Compensation for Hardship Caused by Asbestos-Related Cancer
New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law are hopeful that with promising research advancements being made, better treatment options may soon be available to victims of asbestos-related cancer. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for your illness and its effects from those responsible for your asbestos exposure. Call New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help.