Dr. Dash and Dr. Patel of Macalester College and University of Minnesota respectively, have published a report in the Biomedicines Special Issue claiming that there are specific types of altered viruses that might not only kill malignant mesothelioma cells but may also help increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy as a Treatment Protocol
Just as with many other forms of cancer, mesothelioma tumors are able to grow by essentially camouflaging itself to avoid the body’s immune system. Immunotherapy relies on substances or drugs to help jump-start the immune system to start recognizing and fighting the malignant mesothelioma cells with the purpose of stopping tumor growth. The issue is the level responsiveness of the individual immune system or getting the immune system to respond and start fighting the malignant cells. Biologist, Dr. Dash states that certain altered viruses “Would expand the range of patients who will respond to and benefit from immune therapy.”
Using Altered Viruses
Virotherapy relies on the use of viruses that have been altered to target malignant and cancerous cells while at the same time sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. The Minnesota based biologists wrote that “In pre-clinical models of different thoracic cancers, it has been found that these viruses can induce immunogenic cell death, increase the number of immune mediators brought into the tumor microenvironment and broaden the neoantigen-specific T cell response.” The conclusions from the study provide some hope for increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy and perhaps even extending survival times and quality of life.
The Paul Law Firm advocates for victims of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma, call the Paul Law Firm. With over 2.5 billion dollars collected for victims of asbestos exposure, we have the knowledge and the experience to fight for you. We also understand that fighting doesn’t just happen in the courtroom. It also happens in a lab where we are fighting for a cure. Check out the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America here.
Call us today at 1-855 88 LEGAL (885-3425) or contact us online to discuss your case with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers
