Group of Researchers Identify Critical Protein in the Pathogenesis of Malignant Mesothelioma
Manoa, Hawaii - One of the nation’s leading cancer research publications has chosen new findings in the field of mesothelioma research as the cover story for their July issue, emphasizing the need for new and better treatments for the asbestos-related cancer.
The July issue of Cancer Research highlights the findings of a team of international researchers from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, identifying a critical protein in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma, an aggressive, hard-to-treat cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
According to a press release by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the discovery of this protein “outlines the process causing the growth of mesothelioma and offers scientists an opportunity to develop specific therapies for treatment.”
The discovery comes from a cancer center that is considered one of the top in mesothelioma research, led by top names in the field including Dr. Michele Carbone, head of thoracic oncology, and Dr. Haining Yang. Both men have played an important role in other recent mesothelioma-related findings, including the identification of the BAP1 gene that causes the disease.
“We are very excited about this discovery and are extremely pleased that it was also chosen to be the featured cover story,” said Yang. “The next step is to translate this discovery into actual treatments for mesothelioma patients.”
The discovery of this new biomarker will aid in early detection of the disease, which will increase victims’ chances for a longer life expectancy, the press release stresses. It should also help shed light on new methods for mesothelioma prevention and therapy, said Yang.
Other investigators on the team included representatives from the John A Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu; the San Raffaele University and Research Institute in Milan, Italy; the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.; and the New York University School of Medicine.
