June 6, 2012 – The Pennsylvania mesothelioma attorneys at the Shein Law in Philadelphia are devoted to staying up to date on the latest treatments for asbestos-related cancers and lung diseases. Researchers worldwide are continuously searching for new therapies to halt the progression of the disease and find a cure, one of which is a new drug combining treatment.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. This deadly disease is caused by exposure to asbestos through ingestion or inhalation. The standard treatment for the victims afflicted with pleural mesothelioma has been a combination chemotherapy regimen of Cisplatin and Pemetrexed. Often times, individuals suffering from mesothelioma acquire resistance to these chemotherapeutic agents creating a major obstacle to successful treatment.
Effectiveness of Pemetrexed on Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer When Combined With Other Drugs
There are two recent studies that have reported that Pemetrexed, a key drug used to treat mesothelioma, is more effective when combined with other drugs. In a recent issue of Oncology Reports, a team of researchers from Japan who wanted to learn more about the specific reactions between Pemetrexed and Cisplatin conducted a study using a combination of the two drugs to treat mesothelioma cells in a laboratory setting. They treated four human mesothelioma cell lines that were obtained from the American Type Culture Company. The cells were treated with various concentrations of the two agents. The research team concluded that the two drugs performed in a synergistic manner together in 3 of the 4 human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines and generally did not show cross-resistance. This research will serve as a model for further studies.
Another Japanese research team from Kyoto University performed a study to determine how Pemetrexed affects lung cancer when combined with drugs that release nitric oxide. The team used two nitric oxide donor agents, NOC-18 and nitroglycerin. The study involved a group of mice with lung cancer that had been treated with Pemetrexed. First, NOC-18 was administered by injection into the mice for 3 days. It was noted that the destructive action of Pemetrexed on the cancer cells was enhanced. The research team then added nitroglycerin to the injection and saw an even greater effect. Researchers concluded that nitric oxide donoragents enhance the anticancer effects of Pemetrexed.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys at Shein Law Help Victims Suffering From Asbestos-Related Cancers
The Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at Shein Law focus their practice on helping victims of asbestos and their families. We are committed to staying informed on the newest mesothelioma cancer treatments in order to provide our clients with the latest information and options available to them. If you or a loved one has suffered from exposure to asbestos and developed malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer or another asbestos-related illness, it is crucial for you to contact an experienced and knowledgeable asbestos lawyer. Our team can guide you through the complex litigation process while fighting for your rights in order to achieve justice. For a thorough review of your case, we encourage you to contact our Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact us online.