Multiple Sclerosis Drug Effectively Stops Mesothelioma Cells

Research from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center shows an immune suppression drug already used to treat multiple sclerosis could become an effective tool against malignant mesothelioma. The drug, fingolimod (FTY720), showed an ability to shrink mesothelioma tumors cells in the laboratory and in animal models without causing substantial side effects. Fingolimod, which is derived from the fungus isaria sinclairii, also is being studied for potential use with cervical, breast, lung and prostate cancers. This was the first study of its effectiveness with mesothelioma. The Journal of Translational Medicine published the results earlier this year. “The result is very significant,” Dr. Haining Yang, senior researcher at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, told Asbestos.com. “We found this drug to have a real anti-cancer effect on mesothelioma cells, without serious side effects. There could be tremendous potential here.” Fingolimod is already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a relapsing form of multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the central nervous system that attacks the nerve fibers. Repurposing Drugs for Different Cancers Is Critical The study with mesothelioma cells at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center is the latest example of pharmaceutical repurposing, a growing trend in cancer research that involves finding new uses for already-established drugs. Anti-cancer activity in a drug is sometimes transferable. “It’s a hot t...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: anti-cancer effect on mesothelioma cells Dr. Haining Yang fingolimod mesothelioma FTY720 immune suppression drugs isaria sinclairii Journal of Translational Medicine mesothelioma life expectancy multiple sclerosis drugs Repurposing drugs Source Type: news