Mesothelioma is often observed in the aging population, mainly because of its long latency period. In turn, increasing age was linked to the decline of the immune system. Knowing all this, new research shows that improving the immune system dysfunction can have a positive impact on the regression of cancer cells of mesothelioma.
A study by Curtin University and the University of Western Australia found that by targeting macrophages, the white blood cells that help to stimulate an immune response from other cells in the immune system, the dysfunction of the immune system in the elderly can be reversed. This means that the immune system may be able to fight and kill cancer cells.
"immune dysfunction is not permanent and in fact can be restored to function similarly to a young immune system," said Dr. Connie Jackaman, member of immunology and cancer group of Curtin University Network in a science article about the study.
another study focused on the anti-CD40 antibody, which was described as "one of the most powerful new immunotherapies cancer. " This antibody has the ability to increase the body's production of tumor-fighting T cells.
In the study, researchers surgically removed cancerous tumors of mesothelioma in laboratory mice. Thereafter, most cancer cells were given to the mice to stimulate the cancer recurrence. Given that new tumors began to grow, the mice were then treated with anti-CD40 antibody, either directly on the tumor growth in a region close to the tumor or as a treatment by the bloodstream.
The results showed that the growth of cancer postsurgical slowed in comparison with untreated mice with anti-CD40 antibody. The treatment also slowed the growth of local recurrence and improved survival rates of recurrence.
Immunotherapy is often used to treat mesothelioma. It is a treatment that uses the immune system of the body to fight against cancer. These new study results show promising results for a basis for further research on the effectiveness of immunotherapy because it is not yet known whether this treatment is effective in human patients aged mesothelioma.
Other common types of mesothelioma include surgery treatment options (to reduce fluid accumulation, remove tissue around the lungs or abdomen, remove as much of the tumor as possible, or remove a lung), chemotherapy, radiation and experimental clinical trials. Because there is still no cure for mesothelioma, an overview of studies such as that described above are positive reminders as we get closer to a cure every day.
tags: immunotherapy, mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment
