New Lung Cancer Study May Improve Mesothelioma Therapy

New insight into the gene responsible for the most aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could bring hope for mesothelioma patients. Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a new way to target lung cancer through the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, also known as the KRAS gene. Tumors that carry a mutation in this gene account for about 30 percent of lung cancer cases, which are usually aggressive with a poor prognosis. Prior to the study, scientists had difficulty targeting the gene. The KRAS gene produces proteins called K-Ras, which influence cell division. Mutations in K-Ras can result in normal cells dividing uncontrollably and turning cancerous. This is an example of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is involved with the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), the most common form of mesothelioma. While the study focused on lung cancer, new breakthroughs targeting mutated genes and cancer cells are beneficial to future treatments of mesothelioma, which is equally as aggressive as NSCLC. Significance of Mutation Analysis in Mesothelioma Treatments Asbestos exposure activates EGFR; however, because it is produced by a variety of cancers, it cannot be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Advances with anti-EGFR drugs and targeted treatments can be significant in future treatments of pleural mesothelioma patients. Molecular profiling is essential for some pleural mesothelioma patients who may re...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: asbestos exposure asbestos lung cancer KRAS lung cancer KRAS mutation lung cancer study mesothelioma clinical trial mesothelioma research mesothelioma treatment Source Type: news