November 3, 2014 – Mesothelioma is notorious for poor patient prognosis and limited treatment options which heavily lowers life expectancy. However, researchers may now be one step closer to effective treatment due in part to curcumin which is a component of the common spice turmeric. Curcumin is known to have anti-inflammatory and cancer- inhibiting properties. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Georg- Speyer- Haus in Frankfurt, Germany conducted a study to determine what effect specific proteins and protein inhibitors have on mesothelioma tumor cells and how they could be manipulated to slow the progression of asbestos-related cancer.
The researchers discovered that the negative correlation between the levels of STAT3 protein (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and PIAS3 peptide (protein inhibitor of activated STAT3) have a direct effect on the progression of asbestos-related cancer. Mesothelioma patients who have high PIAS3 levels and low STAT3 levels will have a significantly better prognosis than patients who have greater STAT3 and lower PIAS3 levels. They found that introducing curcumin to the cells of malignant mesotheliomas resulted in an increased expression of PIAS3, thus suppressing activated STAT3 which regulates cell growth and is known to induce and aid in the growth of cancer cells. Furthermore, they found that not only did this enhanced expression of PIAS3 slow the growth of malignant mesothelioma; it was also effective in killing existing cancer cells.
The scientists who conducted the study hope to develop a form of curcumin that can be easily absorbed into the human body. They speculate that a curcumin based treatment could greatly improve the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients.
The Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Represent Patients Suffering From Asbestos-Related Cancer
The mesothelioma lawyers in Philadelphia at Shein Law are hopeful that recent advancements in research will soon lead to effective treatment options for mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer, you may be entitled to collect compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering from those responsible for your exposure to asbestos. Contact us online or call Shein Law at 877-743-4652 to schedule a free consultation. Our offices are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey, but we will gladly meet you at a location convenient to you and your family.